Roundtable Discussion Report: Strategies for Reducing Alcohol Consumption in Youth of Maharashtra

Roundtable Discussion Report: Strategies for Reducing Alcohol Consumption in Youth of Maharashtra

On April 15, 2025, Consumer VOICE supported by Maharashtra Public Health Department including Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai organised a round table discussion in Mumbai, aimed at addressing the pressing issue of irresponsible alcohol consumption especially in the youth of Maharashtra. The meeting gathered a diverse group of experts and policymakers including representatives from various organisations to deliberate on strategies to curb this irresponsible alcohol intake across the state.

The session primarily focused on analysing current consumption trends, formulating policy recommendations, and highlighting the importance of collaboration between various sectors. 

Discussions centred on addressing the rising per capita alcohol consumption particularly in Maharashtra. Participants examined various factors driving this trend, including changing demographics, improved living standards, higher disposable incomes, evolving spending habits, and the growing culture of social drinking.

A key concern highlighted during the discussion was the general lack of awareness among consumers regarding alcohol content in different beverages and proper measurement of intake. The participants emphasized the importance of developing comprehensive strategies to promote moderate consumption and better consumer education. 

Mr. Hemant Upadhyay, Advisor at Consumer VOICE, initiated the discussion by highlighting the disparity in alcohol consumption between rural and urban areas, setting the stage for a comprehensive examination of the issue. He emphasized the need for policies to restrict alcohol consumption, framing it as a matter of entertainment rather than addiction. 

Dr. Vaibhav, Medical Officer, DDC representing Dr. Daksha Shah – Executive Health Officer, Public Health dept., MCGM, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “urgent intervention is needed from all concerned specially to create awareness amongst consumers, particularly the youth, on responsible consumption of alcohol. Our focus must be on utilising ground level health workers like “Asha” for education and prevention to ensure the well-being of our citizens.” 

Other prominent participants included Mr. Rishi, a social worker and Mr. Krishna Rathore, educationist who expressed their deep concern towards irresponsible liquor consumption in youth of Maharashtra and wanted the administration to address this issue. 

In conclusion, the roundtable discussion provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and formulate actionable recommendations to reduce alcohol consumption in Maharashtra with an special emphasis on education consumers of ill effects of Irresponsible drinking.

Highlighted policy recommendations discussed during the roundtable: 

1) Creating Awareness of Alcohol Content by Volume: This recommendation emphasizes the importance of educating consumers about the alcohol content (by volume) present in various beverages. Many consumers may not be aware of the pure alcohol content in their drinks, leading to unintentional overconsumption. By providing clear information on labels and through public awareness campaigns, individuals can make more informed decisions about their alcohol intake, leading to potentially reduced consumption rates and associated harms.

2) Consulting the Health Department in Excise Policies: Involving the health department in the formulation of excise policies is crucial as it ensures that public health considerations are taken into account when regulating alcohol. Health professionals can provide valuable insights into the potential health impacts of various policy options and help design measures that prioritize the well-being of citizens. This collaborative approach ensures a balanced policy framework that addresses both economic and health concerns. 

3) Strengthening the Madya Nishedh Dept.: The Madya Nishedh Dept. plays a vital role in overseeing alcohol-related regulations and initiatives aimed at promoting responsible drinking and reducing alcohol-related harm. Strengthening this dept. involves providing it with adequate resources, authority, and expertise to effectively carry out its mandate. This may include expanding its scope of activities, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and fostering partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

4) Taxation Based on Alcohol by Volume (ABV) Content: Taxation based on alcohol by volume (ABV) content is a targeted approach to discourage the consumption of high-alcohol beverages. By levying higher taxes on beverages with higher ABV content, policymakers can incentivize consumers to opt for lower-alcohol alternatives. This strategy not only promotes responsible drinking but also generates revenue that can be allocated towards alcohol-related public health initiatives. 

5) Setting Minimum Unit Price and Banning Low-Priced High-Alcohol content Beverages: Setting a minimum unit price for alcohol ensures that alcoholic beverages are sold at a price that reflects their alcohol content, discouraging the consumption of cheap, high-alcohol products. Additionally, banning the sale of ultra-low-priced, high-alcohol beverages can prevent their accessibility to vulnerable populations, such as underage drinkers and individuals with alcohol use disorders. 

6) Ban on Sale of Ultra-Small Packs of Alcohol: Restricting the sale of ultra-small packs of alcohol aims to curb impulsive and excessive drinking behaviours. These small-sized packs often facilitate binge drinking and contribute to alcohol-related harms, particularly in social settings where alcohol is readily available. By prohibiting the sale of such packs, policymakers can mitigate the risk of alcohol abuse and promote safer consumption patterns.

7) Strong Communication Campaigns Emphasizing the Harms of Alcohol: In addition to regulatory measures, strong communication campaigns are essential for raising awareness about the adverse health and social consequences of alcohol consumption. By leveraging various media channels and messaging strategies, such campaigns can educate the public about the risks associated with excessive drinking and challenge societal norms that normalize alcohol use. Emphasizing the harms of alcohol through targeted messaging can help shift attitudes and behaviours towards more responsible drinking practices, ultimately contributing to a reduction in alcohol-related harm across the population. 

8) Educational Campaigns Starting from a Young Age: Recognizing the importance of early intervention, the education department should spearhead educational campaigns to highlight the harms of alcohol consumption, targeting students from a very young age, starting as early as 5th standard. By integrating alcohol education into the school curriculum, students can develop a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with alcohol use and develop healthy attitudes towards alcohol from a young age. These campaigns can utilize age appropriate materials and interactive activities to engage students and empower them to make informed choices regarding alcohol consumption as they grow older.

9) De-Glamorising Alcohol Bottles: Another crucial recommendation is to implement measures to de-glamorise alcohol bottles and packaging. Currently, alcohol packaging often features attractive designs and branding that may glamorize and promote alcohol consumption, especially among young people. By adopting plain packaging regulations similar to those implemented for tobacco products, policymakers can strip alcohol packaging of its allure and reduce its appeal to consumers. Plain packaging, coupled with health warning labels, can help shift perceptions of alcohol from being a desirable lifestyle choice to a potentially harmful substance, thereby discouraging excessive consumption and promoting public health objectives.

Overall, these policy recommendations reflect a multifaceted approach to reducing alcohol consumption and its associated harms in Rajasthan. By combining regulatory measures, public awareness campaigns, and collaborative efforts across sectors, policymakers can work towards creating a healthier and safer environment for all citizens. 

Say Goodbye to Service Charges now!

Say Goodbye to Service Charges now!

Say Goodbye to Service Charges now!

Are you worried about your restaurant bills when you plan to treat your friends for your birthday? Does high service charges stop you from going to restaurants for your family get-togethers? If that is the reason, then the recent rule of the Delhi High Court will give you some relief. The Delhi High Court ruled that service charges on food bills are voluntary and dismissed petitions challenging the CCPA’s (Central Consumer Protection Authority) guidelines prohibiting mandatory imposition by hotels and restaurants.

It is not only unlawful but ‘misleads the consumer’, says Delhi High Court. Consumers can pay a voluntary tip and the service charge should not be imposed upon. In a landmark ruling, Justice Pratibha M Singh observed that collecting a mandatory service charge is a violation of consumer rights and should not be compulsory. 

While dismissing the plea by two restaurant associations, National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations challenging the Central Consumer Protection Authority’s (CCPA) July 2022, The Delhi High Court said that service charge is nothing but a voluntary tip.

Building a Just and Sustainable Future: The Role of Consumers, Businesses, and Policymakers

Building a Just and Sustainable Future: The Role of Consumers, Businesses, and Policymakers

Building a Just and Sustainable Future: The Role of Consumers, Businesses, and Policymakers

By Ashim Sanyal CEO, Consumer VOICE

On World Consumer Rights Day 2025, we need to acknowledge the increased difficulties consumers experience in embracing sustainable lifestyles. High costs and greenwashing, restricted access and insufficient awareness are the obstacles that deny sustainability as a universal reality. Most importantly, the cradle to grave approach remains a distant dream for producers and consumers.

Most brands deploy false eco-friendly statements / labels / advertisements, creating a challenge for consumers to make a choice of true sustainable products. The prohibitive price for organic and environmentally friendly options mostly renders them unaffordable to middle and low-income earners. Furthermore, limited awareness and literacy make consumers susceptible to misleading advertising and uninformed consumption.

Creating Solutions for a Fairer Future

  • Tougher Policies & Regulations – Implementing more stringent greenwashing regulations and encouraging honest eco-labeling will give consumers the power to make the right decisions. India’s Greenwashing Regulation can be replicated.
  • Accessible & Affordable Sustainable Choices – Companies need to ramp up production of environmentally friendly goods to reduce prices, while governments can encourage sustainable innovations.
  • Collective Action for Sustainability – Consumers, businesses, and policymakers need to join hands to make sustainability not a privilege but a right for everyone. Consumer Voice embraces this policy and practice. A just transition can happen only when we act together. The time is here!
    Simple Tips for Living a Sustainable Lifestyle

    Simple Tips for Living a Sustainable Lifestyle

    Simple Tips for Living a Sustainable Lifestyle

    World Consumer Rights Day 2025, observed on March 15, focuses on A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles, emphasizing the need for conscious consumption and environmental responsibility. Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a conscious choice to protect our planet for future generations. Small, everyday changes can make a significant impact.

    Here are some down-to-earth suggestions to embrace a greener way of life:

    Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Create less trash by reusing products, recycling materials, and picking sustainable options like cloth bags and glass containers.

    Go for Energy-Saving Options – Use LED bulbs, unplug gadgets when you’re not using them, and buy energy-efficient appliances to lower your electricity use.

    Save Water – Easy habits like fixing drips, turning off the tap while you brush your teeth, and using water-saving fixtures can save loads of water each day.

    Choose sustainable transportation  – Walk, bike, share rides, or hop on public transport instead of always using your car to reduce carbon emissions.

    Support Ethical Brands– Pick products that are green, fair-trade, and from nearby. This helps the planet and makes sure workers get fair pay.

    Mindful eating  – Don’t throw food away, get fruits and veggies in season, and try more plant-based meals to cut down on your impact on the environment.

    Eco Friendly Fashion – Buy clothes that last, support brands that make recycled clothes, support slow fashion and find new uses for old clothes instead of throwing them out.

    Grow Your Own Greens – Whether in a garden or small balcony pots, growing your own herbs and vegetables reduces dependency on store-bought produce.  

    By making informed choices in our daily lives, we contribute to a more sustainable and just future.

    By Rinki Sharma

    World Consumer Rights Day 2025

    World Consumer Rights Day 2025

    World Consumer Rights Day 2025

    Every year 15th March is celebrated as World Consumer Rights Day. The goal of this day is to increase public awareness of the demands and rights of consumers worldwide. The theme for 2025 is A just transition to sustainable lifestyles’ which is the need of the hour. We are living at a time when pollution, loss of biodiversity and climate change and health crisis is looming large. This is just the right time for a wake-up call for all and increase awareness and engage with consumers globally to adopt and promote sustainable practices.

    What is Sustainable Lifestyle?

    Sustainable lifestyle is one of the most desired and popular lifestyle choices. It includes understanding lifestyle choices and how it impacts the nature and environment around us. However, it requires collective effort to minimize environmental degradation and carbon footprint while supporting equitable socio-economic development and better quality of life. Our everyday choices, our work and lives are intrinsically dependent upon the natural environment on what we eat, how we manage our waste, how we commute, how we use our appliances etc. Environmental degradation and climate change is already affecting our lives in ways more than one. The sustainable and healthy choices we make today will help our future generations.

    How you can make sustainable lifestyle choices

    Mind what you eat

    Choose locally produced foods and opt for plant based diets and reduce the threat of loss of biodiversity. This will help reduce carbon footprint and habitat destruction. Shifting to locally produced, vegetable friendly diet will also improve one’s health. You should also take care to prevent food waste with smart, and planned shopping and making sure to consume what you purchase. 

    Travel

    Almost 95 percent of world’s transport is fossil fuel powered and the transport sector contributes to 23 percent of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. Road transport, relying on petrol and diesel for 95 percent of its energy needs, is India’s largest oil consumer, constituting 44 percent of total consumption in 2021. Reaching carbon neutrality before 2070 requires the deep decarbonization of this sector. Use public transport and include shared transport like car pools for office and school, use cycles, and best walk wherever you can. This not only will help reduce pollution but also improve your lifestyle as walking and cycling are very important exercises for leading a healthy lifestyle. The air pollution levels in India are among the highest in the world, posing a heavy threat to the country’s health and economy. All of India’s 1.4 billion people are exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient PM 2.5 – the most harmful pollutant – emanating from multiple sources.

    Conserve energy

    Reduce use of electricity at home that lowers not only carbon emission but also money. Switch off lights, fans and appliances when not in use. Use of LED bulbs will reduce consumption of electricity. Many states in India are adopting solar power to meet energy needs. Solar power leads the way with 92.12 GW, playing a crucial role in India’s efforts to harness its abundant sunlight. Wind power follows closely with 47.72 GW, driven by the vast potential of the coastal and inland wind corridors across the country. 

    Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

    Avoid use of single use plastics and many stores in several cities in India have a drop off location for plastic bags. Reuse soda cans, glass jars, old clothes, paper products and recyclabale plastic bags to reduce waste. Upcycle products and use your locality’s upcycling program to do so.

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