Supreme Court Seeks Better Age Verification at Liquor Sales

The Supreme Court has requested the Centre's response to a petition calling for stringent protocols for age verification at liquor purchasing points. The plea highlights various state laws lacking enforcement and warns against doorstep liquor delivery increasing underage drinking. The petitioner suggests fines and jail for violators.

The Supreme Court has taken a pivotal step, urging the Centre to respond to a crucial petition demanding the implementation of effective age verification protocols at liquor sales points across the country. The plea points out the discrepancies among state excise policies, which dictate legal drinking ages without enforcing them robustly.

Represented by the NGO 'Community Against Drunken Driving', the petition criticizes the proposed doorstep delivery of liquor, arguing it facilitates easy access for minors and potentially boosts early alcohol consumption habits. The plea advocates for strict penalties, including hefty fines and possible jail terms for anyone providing alcohol to minors.

As the Centre, states, and Union Territories are called to respond, the court will consider the matter in three weeks. The aim is to prevent underage drinking, reduce drunken driving, and enforce age checks rigorously, potentially using biometric data and government IDs.

(With inputs from agencies.)