Bengaluru: In a decisive move to address the growing concern of underage drinking in the city, the state government on Monday launched a stringent crackdown on all liquor-serving establishments. The directive instructs police to issue notices to pubs, breweries, bars, clubs, lounges, restaurants, and any other venues serving alcohol, mandating strict prevention of entry and service to underage persons. The government has also ordered rigorous enforcement of age-verification norms and the “no ID, no entry” rule across such establishments.
Study Reveals Alarming Statistics
This action follows a study conducted by researchers from St John’s Medical College, Christ University, Bengaluru, and Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. The study, which sampled 4,093 students from PU colleges, undergraduate institutions, and higher secondary classes across four educational institutions in Bengaluru, found that one in three adolescents in the city is at risk of developing health issues due to alcohol or tobacco use. The findings highlight a critical public health challenge among the youth.
Home Minister’s Directives
Based on these findings, Home Minister Priyank Kharge instructed law enforcement to treat underage drinking not merely as a licensing violation, but as a serious youth safety and public health concern. “Children and youngsters must be protected from alcohol and substance abuse. Commercial establishments cannot place profit above the safety and future of our youth. Any establishment abetting underage drinking will face severe action,” Kharge stated, while appealing to parents, teachers, citizens, and establishment owners to cooperate with police.
The survey further revealed that 33% of young adults surveyed reported alcohol use, while nearly 18% were addicted to tobacco. These rates are significantly higher than national prevalence rates of 8.7% for tobacco use and 7.9% for alcohol use, and also exceed Karnataka’s reported prevalence of 4.7% and 8.5%, respectively. The study also noted that the median age of alcohol initiation among Bengaluru adolescents is 17 years, with some reporting initiation as early as eight years of age.
Key Directions from the Home Minister
- No ID, No Entry: No person shall be allowed into pubs, breweries, bars, clubs, or liquor-serving establishments without valid age proof.
- Mandatory Age Verification: Establishments must verify government-issued identification before permitting entry or serving alcohol.
- Strict Action for Violations: Establishments found serving liquor to underage persons or abetting underage drinking will be dealt with severely.
- Accountability of Management: Owners, managers, license-holders, and event organizers will be held responsible for violations.
- CCTV Compliance: Establishments must ensure CCTV systems are functional and footage is preserved for a minimum defined period to verify compliance.
- Special Focus on Youth Protection: Police will coordinate with educational institutions, parents, resident welfare associations, and citizen groups to prevent minors from being exposed to alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics.
The crackdown underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding the well-being of young people and ensuring that commercial interests do not compromise public health and safety.
