If we can vote at 18, why can't we drink?Delhi government has ignored the Centre's recommendation to lower the drinking age to 18. In its draft excise legislation, it has lowered the age to 21 from 25. Why an 18 year old can drive a car and vote but not drink is a question to which we are yet to find an answer....
While pub owners are happy with this more ‘‘realistic’’ approach of the government, a section of Delhiites has expressed concern that this would lead to more cases of drunken driving.
As for 18-year-olds, they feel if they’re allowed to drive, vote, marry and start a family at this age (if they are girls), handling drinks should hardly be an issue. The decision shows the double standards of our law-makers. If an 18 year old can be trusted with the future of the country, why not otherwise??
The government-run liquor shops don’t ask for an identity card, even when they know that the person buying alcohol is underage, let alone the pubs. So what’s the point? Most of the teenagers try a drink much before they turn 18 and if one is legally allowed to do so, things would be simpler.
In most countries the drinking age is 18. In many, it's even less. The US has fixed it higher at 21 and that's caused huge controversy. The Delhi government’s proposal to lower the drinking age from 25 to 21 has failed to lift the spirits of teenagers, who were desperately waiting for the age limit to be reduced to 18.For more information on LEGAL DRINKING AGE
6 comments:
The drinking age should be lowered to about 18 or 19 and permit those of legal age to consume in socially controlled environment such as restaurants and official functions. Currently, we prohibit 20-year-olds from sipping champagne at their own weddings! Rather individuals of any age should be permitted to consume alcohol under the direct supervision of their parents in their own homes.
Although the legal purchase age is 21, a majority of young people under this age consume alcohol, and too many of them do so in an irresponsible manner. This is largely because drinking is seen by these youth as an enticing "forbidden fruit," a "badge of rebellion against authority," and a symbol of adulthood. The flaunting of the current age-specific prohibition is readily apparent among young people who, since the increase in the minimum legal drinking age, have tended to drink in a more abuse manner than do those of legal age.
Another great link on Drinking Age. You might find it useful.
http://www.asfar.org/drinking/
I started drinking beer at 14. The legal age in the Philippines is 18.
The legal age in the US is 21
If you thought Delhi's laws are archaic, think again. Gujarat has never lifted the ban on alcohol since independence! Manipur and Mizoram also ban alcohol. Stupid Governments wanna rule the lives of adult citizens..
I personally tasted rum at the age of 10, but my first whisky was during 14. Still, age limits should be imposed, further more, at bars and pubs they should be actually practised. I still remember, I had thrown all care to the wind during that time, a sudden rush of adrenaline was all that I felt. Though it was good, it was impulsive. It's not like alcohol is the nectar of life, one should understand that very well. I am 23 now, but I enjoy the taste of alcohol, then it was just the thrill of getting intoxicated. So, age limits are good, better when followed.
Kaushik Mohanty
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