Know the rules related to alcohol in India during New Year celebrations

2024 is about to end, and people are ready to welcome 2025. It is common to organize parties to celebrate New Year. But the rules related to alcohol in India are different from state to state. These rules have been fixed for purchase, sale and consumption of liquor in public places. If you are planning to party in a particular state on New Year, then it is very important to know the liquor related laws there.

Goa: Consumption of alcohol banned in public places

Partying is one of the favorite activities of tourists in Goa, but there are some strict rules related to alcohol.

• Restrictions: There is a ban on drinking alcohol in public places and tourist places.
• Fine: A fine of ₹2000 can be imposed for breaking the rules.
• Party Time: Bars and pubs remain open till late night, but it is mandatory to maintain public decorum.

Uttar Pradesh: Increase in timings of bars and pubs

Special arrangements have been made in Uttar Pradesh for New Year celebrations.

• One hour relaxation: UP government has extended the timing of bars and pubs till 12 midnight.
• Liquor shops timings: These shops remain open till 10 pm.
• Consumption rules: Drinking alcohol in public places is strictly prohibited.

Maharashtra: Four peg limit

There are special rules for consumption and sale of liquor in Maharashtra.

• Bars and Pubs: Up to 4 drinks of alcohol are allowed per person.
• Ban in public places: Being found drunk can result in fine or jail.
• Special days: Sale of liquor is prohibited on Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and Independence Day.
• Uttarakhand rule: Drinking alcohol near religious places and public places is a crime. If caught, there can be a jail sentence.

Delhi and Rajasthan: Age limit and time rules

• Delhi:
  • The minimum age to purchase liquor is 25 years.
  • Bars and pubs remain open till 1 am.
  • Drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited, and fines are imposed for violations.
• Rajasthan:
  • The minimum age to drink alcohol is 21 years.
  • Bars and pubs remain open till 11 pm.
  • The sale of liquor remains closed during festivals and elections.

Gujarat and Bihar: Complete ban on alcohol

• Gujarat:
  • It is a dry state, where the sale and consumption of liquor is completely prohibited.
  • Only people with special medical permission can purchase alcohol.
  • Violation can result in heavy fines and jail.
• Bihar:
  • There is a complete ban on the sale and consumption of liquor.
  • Those who break the law face harsh punishment and heavy fines.

Kerala: strict control

There are strict rules on the sale and consumption of liquor in Kerala.

• Bars and Pubs: Available only in 5-star hotels.
• Minimum age: The age for purchasing liquor is set at 23 years.
• Control in public places: Consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited in public places.

Punjab: Less strict but following rules is necessary

• Bar and pub timings: They remain open till 1 am.
• Restrictions on special occasions: The sale of liquor is prohibited during certain festivals and events.

General rules related to alcohol

• Driving restrictions: Drinking and driving is a crime. Violations can result in heavy fines and license suspension.
• Age Limit: The minimum drinking age in most states is 21 to 25 years.
• Ban on national festivals: The sale of liquor is banned in many states on days like Independence Day, Republic Day and Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti.
• Ban during elections and religious events: There is a ban on the sale of liquor even during voting and religious events.