SC notice to Centre on plea for robust policy for establishing a mandatory age verification system at all points of alcohol sale across country. Direct mandatory biometric age-match checks at liquor vends, bars, pubs and other watering holes, says PIL.
This could be a major development which may pave way for addressing the growing concerns of underage drinking and alcohol-related accidents especially involving children and under-aged youth which is on a steep rise and brought into sharp focus through incidents like Pune Porsche case.
CADD a non-governmental organization that has been working for 23 years in preventing alcohol-related tragedies.
Plea sought directions to implement a robust policy for establishing a mandatory age verification system at all points of alcohol sale, creating a uniform framework for alcohol regulation across states, and reducing and preventing the increasing menace of drunken driving.
The petition highlights the stark disparity in legal drinking age across different states in India.
While Goa permits alcohol consumption from the age of 18, Delhi maintains a higher threshold at 25 years.
This variation extends to other states as well – Maharashtra prescribes 25 years, while Karnataka and Tamil Nadu allow drinking at 18.
Senior Advocate P B Suresh and Vipin Nair Advocate-On-Record appeared for the PIL Petitioner.