SC Seeks Centre’s Response On Age Verification Policy At Liquor Sales

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the central government to respond to a petition urging the establishment of a stronger protocol for enforcing age checks at points of alcohol sale.

The petition, filed by NGO Community Against Drunken Driving, highlights that although states have minimum age laws for alcohol consumption, there is no systematic process for verifying buyers’ ages at liquor stores, bars, or restaurants.

The petitioner’s counsel emphasized the absence of a structured policy to prevent underage drinking, arguing that a strict age-check mechanism could reduce incidents of drunk driving and curtail underage alcohol consumption. The petition also opposes the concept of doorstep delivery of alcohol, claiming that it would make access easier for minors, potentially accelerating alcohol use among underage individuals.

The plea proposes that individuals or establishments caught selling or serving alcohol to minors should face fines of up to ₹50,000, three months in jail, or both. It calls for all outlets selling or serving alcohol to implement mandatory ID checks, maintain records, and use government-issued identification, possibly through biometric verification, to ensure compliance.

The petition also cited data from 2017, indicating a 20% increase in accidents attributed to drunk driving. Further, it points to research suggesting that drunk driving accounts for over 70% of road accidents in India, leading to more than 100,000 fatalities annually. Referencing a WHO study, the petition claims alcohol consumption in India rose by 38% from 2010 to 2017, growing from 2.4 – 5.8 liters per adult. It also notes that one in five patients admitted to de-addiction centers across the country falls within the 16 to 19 age range.

To strengthen the enforcement of age restrictions, the plea advocates for policies similar to those in other countries, where underage drinking is strictly monitored with legal consequences.

The Court has issued notice to the Union of India, limiting the request for a response to the central government, and has set the case for a hearing in 3 weeks.

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