By Ravikiran Deshmukh
Youngsters enjoying themselves at a city tclub The Maharashtra government is just a step away from passing an order that will make it illegal for anyone below 25 years of age to drink or purchase alcohol. As of now, the legal drinking age in the state is 21. This move is part of a soonto–be–announced de–addiction policy –– awaiting only Cabinet approval –– that will impose unprecedented restrictions on alcohol consumption.
The 25–year age limit on drinking, applicable in some other states in India including Delhi, will be the highest in the world according to data collected by the US–based International Center for Alcohol Policies.
Apart from a Rs 1,000–fine for under–age drinking, the draft policy promises more dry days every year, bans liquor consumption at all public functions –– such as marriages and birthday parties –– and says no liquor shop will be allowed within one kilometre of educational and social institutions, government offices, religious places and highways.
Moreover, it says only two bottles were week will be allowed per individual liquor permit, and a liquor shop or bar may be shut down if 25 per cent of the residents of a municipal ward demand its closure. It also asks for stricter punishment for disorderly behaviour in an inebriated state, suggesting that the offence should be non–bailable with a hefty penalty and a longer jail term.
Activities, told Mumbai Mirror. “Our first target will be college students, who increasingly consume liquor out of fashion and attraction. Not a single text book at the school level has a chapter on de–addiction.” According to an official involved in the drafting procedure, the new policy has special guidelines for politicians – they will not be allowed to attend the inauguration of a liquor shop or a restaurant with a bar licence, an election will be cancelled if candidates are found distributing alcohol bottles during the campaign, and people owning liquor shops or bars will be banned from contesting elections.
It also comes down hard on ex–servicemen, saying all special passes will be cancelled if they are found selling bottles procured under their quota.
When asked if there was any opposition expected from the finance department, considering these measure were sure to lead to a loss of revenue, Shivajirao Moghe said: “I do not agree that the government will lose substantial revenue if the policy implemented in toto. But I am aware that you can not impose such socially beneficial measures just through the legal framework. Counselling and social awareness will yield better results.”
Sources said the policy had been formulated at the insistence of social crusader Anna Hazare, who was appraised of various measures taken by the government in a meeting on Thursday. The government told him that Rs 24 crore (half a per cent of the annual revenue of the state excise) will be allocated for the de–addiction activities across the state.
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