A ‘bar’ on your preferred cocktail

Government is breaching private space
There is no need to pass any order that will make it illegal for anyone below 25 years of age to drink or purchase alcohol. The government must concentrate on other fronts, rather than interfering into someone’s personal affairs. Moreover, how will they enforce the age restriction and differentiate between a youngster who is 21 or 25 years old? Are they not grown up enough to make their personal choice?

Moreover government is planning to ban liquor consumption in private parties like marriage and birthday parties. This is absolutely a violation of human rights for living a private life. Government has no right in a democratic country to take such steps. Imposing fines on people, who have attained maturity, buying alcoholic drinks, is not right. This is an extreme invasion in the private life of young people which is not ethical. There is no rationale for the same.
PA Sebastian, senior counsel and human rights activist

Jail term for inebriated misdemeanour
In a country like India where everything is available if you have the resources and willingness to bribe, age is a minor deterrent. If someone wants to drink or purchase alcohol, they will do it anyway. They should be stringent about enforcing punishment for any alcohol related misbehaviour. Under age drinking should not only be fined but also accompanied by a jail term. Banning alcohol at weddings and other functions shouldn’t be the government’s concern. Increasing number of dry days will be wrong. We will become like the neighbouring state of Gujarat - very dry.    
Marlene Ratus, office manager

We can decide since we are adults
The government must explain rationale behind the sudden decision. This is because currently there are no stringent checks, while one is out partying or even if one has to purchase booze. Of course, youngsters would not be in favour of it because after 18 one is considered as an adult and such norms are uncalled for. The current legal drinking age of 21is fine. But at the same time, I think it’s fair to impose a high amount for under age drinking and driving. If a rule is in place, the authorities need to ensure that it is followed or else there is no point in just making proposals.     Malay Shah, student

Dry days will affect business
It’s not going to make any sense and probably people will not follow it, because a person is considered to be an adult after the age of 18. Such personal restrictions don’t serve any purpose. The permissible age must be brought down to 18. Definitely it will affect the freedom of youngsters because if they can get a driving licence or vote in elections, why can’t they buy liquor. Drinking and creating havoc is an offence a jail term can teach miscreants a lesson. More dry days will affect the hospitality industry badly.    Gregory Francis, marketing executive

It is an unreasonable restriction
I wonder why they are making it illegal for anyone below 25 years of age to drink or purchase alcohol. Why is the government not interested in curbing crime, or tackling poverty? There are other problems which teenagers face, among them is teenage pregnancy. Also there are still cases of early marriages in our country which boost the threat of more population in the country. Why does the government not bother about the increasing population? If we can marry at 21 and raise a family, then why is this unreasonable restriction being imposed.   
Rahul Malpani, student

First stop liquor at poll rallies
At 18 when the Constitution of India can trust my decision on the upcoming government, why I should wait to become 25 years old to drink alcohol. To serve alcohol at birthday parties or on the occasion of marriage is my personal decision and I don't think government should impede my choice. If at all they want to ban liquor consumption at public functions, they should make sure the political parties who in order to lure votes should not serve liquor to public especially under 18. I agree that the government should get strict when dealing with such cases.    Aruna Guru, student

Inform guardians of minors
The focus should be on ensuring proper awareness in schools and colleges to make the young generation aware about pitfalls of drinking. The idea of creating an age barrier of 25 years old sounds far fetched and difficult to implement. A fine on under age drinking should ensure a strong deterrent against offenders. In case of minors, their parents and guardian should be informed, so that they won’t repeat the demeanour. Drunken driving, creating a nuisance after drinking should be considered as non-bailable offence.
Preeti Doiphode, associate consultant

Make people more aware
If a person at 18 can decide who can rule our country, then the same people are qualified enough to decide whether they can purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. Gujarat is an alcohol-free state, but still we get liquor clandestinely there. Instead the government should focus on making people responsible consumers. Liquor is easily available so one can arrange for it in some way or another, but when it comes to punishment they have no control. Stricter punishment will make people think before asking for another drink.
Trupti Prabhu, associate consultant

State can’t us stop from drinking
I'm totally against the proposed ban which can make it illegal for anyone below 25 years of age to purchase alcohol. It amounts to restriction on the right of freedom because the government permits 18 year-olds to vote, it means that a person has the capacity to think about what is bad or good. I'm against the government's interference in serving it at marriages. The state can't force people to stop eating or drinking. Even if it is banned, no one can stop youngsters from drinking liquor.  People will find a way of getting it from black market.  
Kartik Vedant,  legal consultant