Mumbai: The Maharashtra Government on Wednesday
made it illegal for anyone below 25 years of age to consume or
purchase alcohol. As of now, the legal drinking age in the
state is 21.
A meeting of the state cabinet here today also
approved fixing the minimum age for drinking or purchasing
beer at 21.
The government has also banned serving alcohol at all
public functions and ceremonies.
The 25-year age limit on drinking, applicable in some
other states including Delhi, is among the highest in the
world, a senior official said.
Fine would be imposed for under-age drinking and there
is a provision of more dry days every year. No liquor shop
will be allowed within one kilometre of educational and social
institutions, government offices, religious places and
highways.
There is also a limit on bottles allowed per
individual and a liquor shop or bar may be shut down if 25 per
cent of the residents of a municipal ward demand its closure.
The measures come ahead of the passage of the state
policy on de-addiction, which is being pursued by Shivajirao
Moghe, Minister for Social Justice & De-addiction Activities.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, June 01, 2011, 19:19