Cheers...wait!

Thu, May 15 01:15 AM

The Delhi government's refusal to lower the drinking age from 25 to 21 has been met with a lot of indignation from Delhi's young and the restless. Although others are certain that the decision will hardly have an effect on Dilli's daroobaaz.

"The issue is politically sensitive," says a minister who wishes to remain anonymous. Politically sensitive? Is it the fact that a 21-year-old is old enough to marry and vote but not drink? Or is it the government's failure to recognise how Delhiites have always managed to find a way around this rule? We talked to students from different colleges to find their opinion on the archaic law that has been governing drinking in the Capital since 1939.

Mukesh Adhikary, who recently graduated from Hansraj College says, "I don't think we need the government to make decisions on our behalf. The next thing they'll be telling us is when to sleep.

" And what exactly is it about the magic number 25 that makes you qualified to drink as soon as you hit it? Priya, who works with an ad agency, feels the same way, "Older people are as likely to be irresponsible drinkers as the younger ones. The law urgently needs to be revised.

" Even many pubs and restaurants go easy on customers. Asking for an ID card is usually a formality and very often some sweet-talking will be enough to procure drinks for yourself.

Although there are some who feel that the law is there for a reason. Abhishek, who studies in a medical college, says, "Youngsters are becoming more reckless every day.

The move, if approved, will only lead to more anarchy in pubs and bars." Most feel that this law won't be much of a problem.

Even the threat of a Rs 5000 fine isn't of much concern for the daredevils. Suhail, who works in a call center, says, "Such a law can have disastrous consequences since people are then compelled to drink in their cars or even out on the streets.

" It remains to be seen what reaction this move of the Delhi government evokes.

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