The Maharashtra government on Wednesday raised the minimum age for drinking beer from 18 to 21 years and for hard liquor from 21 to 25 years, in an attempt to discourage youngsters from consuming alcohol. The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting held in Mumbai on Wednesday.Chavan said that it may be difficult to completely curb alcohol abuse among youngsters but the government would continue its attempts to discourage them from doing so. The government has also banned serving alcohol at all public functions and ceremonies.Fine will be imposed for under-age drinking and there is provision of more dry days every year. They also stated that no liquor shop will be allowed within a kilometre of educational and social institutions, government offices, religious places and highways.The measures come ahead of the passage of the state policy on de-addiction, which is being pursued by Shivajirao Moghe, Minister for Social Justice & De-addiction Activities.