Overview
- Parvesh Verma said no proposal to reduce the legal beer drinking age from 25 to 21 has been discussed or approved, and the current limit stands.
- Reports citing officials said a high-level committee met stakeholders this week and heard suggestions, including a 21-year age limit for beer, but nothing is final.
- The ongoing excise overhaul under discussion includes a possible return of private outlets in a hybrid model, wider brand availability, and beer-only shops near wine stores.
- Officials have pointed to cross-border purchases costing Delhi about ₹4,000–₹4,500 crore a year, with current excise revenue near ₹8,000 crore and a target of ₹12,000 crore.
- Delhi’s retail market remains state-run with 700-plus outlets under a stopgap policy that has been extended through March 2026.