Delhi Assembly passed Delhi Excise Bill 2009 in a view to impose stringent punishment against Liquor-related offences like consuming alcohol at public places or selling denatured spirit. The Bill provides for a fine of 5,000 rupees instead of the current 200 rupees for consuming alcohol at public place and a fine of upto 10,000 rupees with a jail term of three months if the offender creates public nuisance.<br/><br/>Despite protest from BJP members, the House also passed an amendment to the Bill lowering the minimum age requirement to serve liquor and apply for license to open liquor shop to 21 years from 25 years. <br/><br/>The bill also seeks to enhance punishment for those selling denatured spirit. It proposes a jail term between two to five years and a fine of up to two lakh for those selling illicit liquor. The bill also provides death penalty or life imprisonment and fine upto ten lakh rupees in case of death caused due to mixing noxious substance with liquor.<br/>