Abstract

Alcohol is the most commonly used intoxicating substance in India. It is a legal product but there is a minimum legal drinking age limit that varies from state to state (from 18–25 years). Alcohol prohibition is one of the Directive Principles of the Constitution of India (Article 47), but taxation on sales of alcohol is a major revenue-earner for most states. As alcohol is a state subject, the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol is a state responsibility. Different state ministries and departments regulate different aspects of alcohol. For example, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) looks after alcohol use prevention programs, developing networks and capacity building for alcohol prevention and control, and monitoring. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) runs de-addiction centres.

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