Raise a glass at 21? Delhi considers dropping beer-drinking age from 25

The Delhi government is weighing a proposal to reduce the minimum age for drinking beer from 25 to 21, sources familiar with the matter told TOI.

The move, aimed at aligning Delhi’s rules with neighbouring states such as Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, is part of a larger review of the city’s excise policy. Officials say the change could curb black-market sales and help safeguard state revenue.

The suggestion was discussed earlier this week at a high-level meeting chaired by PWD Minister Parvesh Verma and attended by cabinet colleagues, senior excise officials, and liquor industry representatives.


Alongside lowering the drinking age, the committee also explored reintroducing private liquor outlets under a hybrid system, combining them with government-run stores, TOI

At present, only state-run vends sell alcohol in Delhi.

The AAP government had withdrawn private licences in 2022 after its excise policy sparked CBI and ED investigations into alleged irregularities. That policy, rolled out in 2021, had sought to hand over retail sales almost entirely to private vendors, phasing out state outlets. The BJP-led government is now considering reviving the older mixed model, which many industry voices argue offers both stability and variety.

Officials further revealed to the news outlet that access to premium national and international liquor brands, which often run scarce in Delhi and drive customers across state borders, is also being factored into the overhaul.

Currently, four state corporations operate all liquor vends, with margins fixed at Rs 50 per bottle regardless of brand or price — a system that ensures uniformity but limits innovation and consumer choice.

The government plans to benchmark its final blueprint against neighbouring states before announcing changes.