Chandigarh: Haryana on Wednesday reduced the minimum age for consumption of liquor, purchasing or sales from 25 years of up to 21 years by making excise law amendments.
Bill Haryana Pacha (Amendment), 2021 was approved by the assembly with changes in Section 27, 29, 30 and 62 of the Excise Act Haryana, 1914.
With this, Haryana has brought its policy equivalent to the Delhi National Capital Territory which earlier this year reduced up to 21 years of age limit.
The minimum age in Punjab and Chandigarh are 25 years and on HP is 18 years.
The government in the press release said: “When framing the excise policy for 2021-22, it is discussed that the age limit can be reduced from 25 years to 21 years, because many other countries have prescribed a lower age limit.” “In addition, socio-economic conditions have changed dramatically since the above provisions are included in Cures Act.
People are now more educated and can make rational decisions about taking responsible drinking.”