Delhi Government Plans to Bring Down Legal Drinking Age

The issue of the right age to drink has perpetually been in question in India with each state charting its own laws regarding the legal age to permit purchase and consumption of alcohol. In India, the consumption of alcohol is banned in Gujarat, Manipur, Mizoram , Kerala and Nagaland as well as the union territory of Lakshadweep. The rest of the states permit consumption but have fixed a drinking age. (How Does Alcohol Affect Your Athletic Performance?)Delhi Government is contemplating to bring down the legal drinking age for beer from the existing 25 to 21 years, with the Excise Department preparing a proposal in this regard. However, the department's proposal is yet to be given go-ahead by the government.According to the proposal, which is likely to be put before the Cabinet soon, the new age limit will only be applicable for consumption of wine and beer, whereas the legal drinking age for hard liquor like rum, gin, whisky and vodka remains 25 years. (Drinking Alcohol Regularly Increases Stroke Risk in Men)According to sources, the Excise Department has cited that the same age limit (21 years) is in force in many states. Mumbai also has similar rule which allows those above 21 years old to buy and consume beer. They also said that if this proposal gets the government nod, it might be tabled in the upcoming budget session scheduled to be held later this month.(Is it ever OK to drink before driving?)