Delhi Brings Down Legal Drinking Age From 25 To 21: Here's How Women Are Reacting

Reactions to Delhi drinking age limit: The Delhi government Monday announced that the legal drinking age in the national capital has been brought down to 21 years, against the previous 25 years limit. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that as per new law reforms, safer drinking systems will be put in place with regulations on "liquor mafia" in the city.

"The new excise policy was approved by the Cabinet today on the basis of the recommendations of the Group of Ministers. It was decided that no new liquor shops will be opened in the national capital and the government will not run any liquor shops," Sisodia ">said at a press conference.

The government reportedly runs 60 percent of authorised liquor stores in Delhi while illegal stores number near 2000. "Government will ensure equitable distribution of liquor shops so that liquor mafia are thrown out of the trade," the Deputy CM said.

Delhi government looks toward a 20 percent hike in annual excise revenue with these new policies. International retail standards must be adhered to by liquor stores, the government said, adding that public drinking in the whereabouts of these shops is prohibited.

Read Some Reactions To Delhi Drinking Age Limit

Sakshi, a 23-year-old postgraduate student based in Delhi lauds the policy reform, saying it comes a little too late but is a positive step. "The drinking age in Delhi was always unfair, states like Bengaluru have always had the 21-year age limit and abroad, it's even lower... co-ordinated with the voting age. I'm glad change has finally come to Delhi. I'll be able to enjoy my drink in peace now."

Another Delhi University student, who chooses to remain unnamed, says the reform is a relief for women like her who will turn 21 soon. "My friends and I will not have to wait till 25, I'm thrilled. And it somehow will make visiting bars and liquor stores safer for us since the government authorises us to purchase alcohol now. No ugly, judgmental stares from men."

Aastha, 24-year-old lawyer currently in training with a Delhi-based firm, feels a drop in the drinking age will push for responsible drinking. "Since there's legal permission, youngsters will not feel guilt or need to find sneaky ways. That'll prompt them to handle their drinks by themselves, as adults."

Here's what social media users are saying: 

SO DELHI REDUCES DRINKING AGE THE YEAR I TURN 25?????? KYA BAKWAS HAI YEH. MAIN NAHI KHEL RAHI YEH GAME

— Nishtha (@krantinari) March 22, 2021

Feel like the delhi government has robbed me of a landmark moment in my life by lowering the drinking age to 21

— Samya Singh (@samyyyasays) March 22, 2021

Twenty years too late in my opinion, but lowering the drinking age in Delhi from a ridiculous 25 to 21 is a good step. Then again, as most kids in Delhi know (as did I back in the day) the age limit is a joke.

— Kushan Mitra (@kushanmitra) March 22, 2021