The Supreme Court on Monday sought the Center’s response on a petition regarding mandatory age norms in liquor shops and other outlets. The court has sought directions to formulate effective age rules and strong policies. The petition states that various states’ excise policies have age-related laws under which consumption or possession of alcohol by persons below a certain age is illegal. Despite this, there is currently no specific system in place to check the age of consumers or purchasers on premises where alcohol is sold or consumed.
Protest against serving alcohol at home
Petition against door-to-door alcohol policy. Others believe it will increase alcohol addiction among young people. The petition was heard before Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Vishwanathan.
The minimum age for drinking in the country is 18 to 25 years.
As we all know, the minimum legal age for drinking alcohol is fixed between 18 and 25 years in various states and union territories of the country. Despite this, people under the age of 18 are seen drinking in many places.
There is no system to check age
The non-governmental organization (NGO) Community Against Drunk Driving has submitted this petition. His lawyer Vipin Nair argued during the hearing that establishments such as liquor stores, bars, pubs, etc. have no system in place to check the age of consumers or buyers. It said specific policies in this regard would help reduce and prevent the problem of drunk driving and would also help curb underage drinking.
Fined Rs 50,000 and jailed for 3 months
The petitioner suggested that a person found guilty of selling, supplying or supplying liquor to a minor should be punished with a fine of Rs 50,000 or three months’ imprisonment or both. The Centre, all states and union territories have been made respondents to the petition.
The hearing will be held in three weeks
The bench said notice will be issued to the Center on the petition and a reply will be sought. “The notice shall be limited to the first respondent (Union of India),” the court said. The next hearing in the case will be held in three weeks’ time. The petition seeks directions to formulate and implement a policy of mandatory age verification in all shops, pubs or bars that serve alcohol.
There is language input
india latest news
