The Supreme Court on Monday sought the Centre’s response on a plea on mandatory age norms for liquor shops and other points of sale. The court sought directions to formulate effective age rules and a strong policy. The petition stated that the excise policy of various states has age-related laws, under which it is illegal for a person below a certain age to consume or possess liquor. However, there is no concrete system to verify the age of consumers or buyers at places of sale or consumption of alcohol.
Protest against door-to-door delivery of liquor
The petition has opposed the policy of door-to-door delivery of liquor. It was also argued that this would increase alcohol addiction among the youth. The petition was heard by Justice BR Gavai and Justice K.V. Vishwanathan came up for hearing before the Bench.
The minimum drinking age in the country is 18 to 25 years.
It is known that in various states and union territories of the country, the minimum legal drinking age has been fixed between 18 and 25 years. However, in many places people under the age of 18 are also seen drinking alcohol.
There is no age verification system
Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) ‘Community Against Drunken Driving’ filed this petition. His lawyer Vipin Nair argued during the hearing that liquor shops, bars, pubs etc. have no system to check the age of customers or buyers. It said that a strong policy in this regard would help reduce and prevent the problem of drunk driving and also curb underage drinking.
50 thousand fine and 3 months imprisonment
The petitioner suggested that a fine of Rs 50,000 or three months imprisonment or both be imposed on a person found guilty of selling, serving or providing liquor to minors. The petition has made the Centre, all the states and Union Territories respondents.
The hearing will be held after three weeks
The bench said it would issue a notice to the Center on the plea and seek its reply. The court said, ‘The notice should be limited to respondent number one (Union of India).’ The next hearing of the case will be held after three weeks. The petition seeks a direction to frame and implement a policy for mandatory age verification at all shops, pubs or bars serving liquor.
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