Question – how old should a person be before they are legally allowed to drink and purchase alcoholic beverages? In the United States of course the age is 21. In Europe the age is 18. In India it has just been increased to 25!
The rule has attracted strong reactions from all sections of society. Many feel it is regressive and not the best way to get youngsters to drink responsibly.
Old Enough to Own a Liquor Company but not drink – huh?
The rule has attracted strong reactions from all sections of society. Many feel it is regressive and not the best way to get youngsters to drink responsibly.
Author Shobhaa De said, "The rule is not just regressive, it is also unrealistic and impractical. Enforcing it will prove to be a nightmare. Twenty-five is seen as the new middle age these days. Try curbing a 25-year-old's desire to knock back a drink. Most young Indians are married and parents by that ripe old age. They decide for themselves what they want in life."
Actor Imran Khan said, "It's completely unfair to expect that one has to wait till 25 years to exercise his freedom of choice regarding one's lifestyle. Young India is not as irresponsible as the older establishment assumes it to be."
24-year-old Sid Mallya is GM and owner of the third largest liquor company in the world. Guess what? It's illegal for him to drink!
What do you think? Should the drinking age be raised? Should alcohol be banned?