Work is underway on a new liquor policy for the National Capital Territory of Delhi. A key proposal under discussion is to reduce the legal drinking age for beer from 25 years to 21 years. Officials say the move will be taken up with all stakeholders before any final notification.
The consideration is limited to beer only. Other alcoholic products are not covered by this age relaxation in the current discussions. Delhi’s present minimum age for alcohol consumption is 25. The proposal aims to address long-running demands while keeping safeguards intact.
Retail norms are also in focus. The plan is to keep liquor vends out of residential areas. Shops would be allowed only inside commercial complexes such as malls, large shopping centres and district centres. This is intended to reduce local inconvenience in neighbourhoods while maintaining access in regulated spaces.
Private operators may be permitted again under licensing. Authorities indicate that entry of private players will be within the above commercial premises and subject to conditions. During internal meetings, concerns around public convenience and compliance were recorded for inclusion in the final rules.
A similar attempt to revise the drinking age to 21 years was made in 2021 but was put on hold amid disputes. The latest exercise restarts that process formally, with the administration stating that wider consultations will precede any change to law or licensing.
- Beer drinking age under discussion: 21 years.
- Other liquors are not part of this change.
- Shops proposed only in malls and big commercial centres.
- Private players may re-enter under licence conditions.
- 2011–2021 effort was shelved; plan revived with consultations.
Content first published on delhibreakings.com
