India's Mumbai raises drinking age to 25

Indian state legislators have voted to raise the age limit for buying alcohol in the country's entertainment capital Mumbai, sparking concern from the drinks industry and fury among young people.

Lawmakers agreed on Wednesday evening to change the minimum age for buying beer from 18 to 21 and spirits from 21 to 25 as part of moves to discourage under-age consumption and problem drinking.

The measures -- which include fines for illegal drinking, a ban on serving alcohol at public functions and ceremonies and more "dry days" when the sale of alcohol is banned -- will apply in Mumbai and across the state of Maharashtra.

But spirit-makers and the hotel and restaurant industry reacted strongly against the decision, saying it would adversely affect business.