The Delhi Excise Act,2009 which provides for a regime of more stringent punishment for all liquor-related offences has come into force in the national capital. As per provision of the new legislation, consuming alcohol at public places will attract a fine of 5,000 rupees instead of current 200 rupees and if creates nuisance at such places then the fine will be up to 10,000 rupees with an imprisonment up to three months. Announcing that the legislation has come into force from yesterday, Delhi Finance Minister A K Walia said that Delhi has become the first state to enact its own Excise Act as per the model excise act suggested by the Ministry of Food Processing and Industries. He said that in case of any death due to the mixing of noxious substance with liquor then the offender may face death sentence or life imprisonment along with a penalty of up to 10 lakh rupees. Walia said as per the new legislation, sale of liquor is not permitted near religious places and schools and the prohibited area limit has also been extended from 75 metres to 100 metres for such places. He said that the legislation, which was passed by Delhi Assembly late last year, replaces the Punjab Excise Act 1914, provision of which was extended to Delhi in 1939.