Pune: Now, Produce Govt ID as Age Proof to Buy and Drink Liquor
From Rs 100 in Goa to Rs 305 in Karnataka, the Same Bottle Costs Triple — Excise Disparity Fuels Cross-Border Booze Buys
Mandatory ID Checks Implemented in Mumbai and Pune to Prevent Underage Drinking
June 18, 2024 — In an effort to curb underage drinking, pubs, bars, and liquor stores in Mumbai and Pune now require patrons to present government-recognized identification documents. Accepted forms of ID include voter ID, PAN or Aadhaar cards, and driving licences. This measure aims to ensure that alcohol is not served to individuals under the age of 25. Many establishments have even assigned dedicated staff to enforce this new policy.
According to the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, the legal drinking age for wine and beer is 21, while it is 25 for hard liquor. This recent crackdown follows a tragic incident involving a Porsche crash in Pune and a subsequent directive from the excise department. The directive holds alcohol-selling establishments accountable for unlawful acts committed by minors and for serving alcohol without a liquor permit.
Sukesh Shetty, president of Ahar, which represents thousands of bars and hotels across Mumbai and Maharashtra, stated that ID checks are primarily conducted when an individual appears younger than 25. Pradeep Shetty, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI), confirmed that IDs stored in DigiLocker, a government app, are also accepted. This was further corroborated by Sumit Chawla, president of the Association of Progressive Retail Liquor Vendors.
The move has received mixed reactions from the public. Worli resident Pranav Jangam supports the initiative, emphasizing the importance of proper ID checks, especially for doorstep deliveries. However, concerns about privacy have been raised. A resident from Pune recounted how a shop took a photo of his driver’s licence, which made him worry about potential misuse of his personal data. Similarly, another man from Mumbai questioned the necessity of photographing ID cards when CCTVs already capture patrons’ faces.
The new regulations reflect a broader effort to enforce legal drinking ages and promote responsible alcohol consumption in Maharashtra.
