The Delhi government has mandated stricter age verification for alcohol consumption in hotels, clubs, and restaurants. Operators must now check hard copies of government-issued identity proofs before serving liquor to clients.
This step comes after inspections revealed violations of the legal drinking age of 25 years in the city.
Inspections Expose Underage Drinking
Recent checks by the Delhi excise department found underage customers consuming alcohol at several licensed premises. Some individuals pretended to be 25 years old to access liquor. Officials also received complaints about licensed vendors serving alcohol to underage patrons.
Legal Requirements and Directives
As per the Delhi Excise Act, 2009, selling or delivering liquor to anyone under 25 years of age is prohibited. Violations attract legal action under the act.
The excise department issued a circular directing hotels, clubs, and restaurants (HCR licensees) to verify customers’ ages using physical IDs. Virtual IDs stored on mobile phones, except those in the Digilocker app, are not acceptable to prevent misuse of fake or edited IDs.
Past Controversy Over Legal Drinking Age
Delhi’s legal drinking age has been a debated issue. Neighboring cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) have lower age limits. A plan under the 2021-22 excise policy to lower the drinking age to 21 years was shelved after the policy faced allegations of corruption and rule violations.
Anti-Drug Campaign and Awareness
In line with Delhi’s campaign to become drug-free within three years, the excise department has introduced additional measures. Licensees must take an e-pledge on the department’s website and display the certificate prominently. They are also encouraged to educate their staff and customers about avoiding drug abuse for a healthier lifestyle.
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