Bengaluru, June 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday directed senior police officials to issue notices to all pubs, breweries, bars, clubs, lounges, restaurants, and other liquor-serving establishments, instructing them to strictly prevent entry and service of alcohol to underage persons.
The directive comes amid growing concerns over underage drinking and substance exposure among adolescents and young adults in Bengaluru.
The Home Minister made it clear that Karnataka will adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards establishments that enable or encourage underage drinking.
“Children and young people must be protected from alcohol and substance abuse. Commercial establishments cannot place profit above the safety and future of our youth. The rule is simple: No ID, No Entry. Any establishment abetting underage drinking will face severe action,” Priyank Kharge said.
He further appealed to parents, teachers, citizens, and establishment owners to cooperate with the police.
An official statement from his office cited recent research conducted among 4,093 students from pre-university courses, undergraduate colleges, and higher secondary classes across four educational institutions in Bengaluru. The study found that one in three adolescents in the city is at risk of developing health issues due to alcohol or tobacco use.
The study, conducted by researchers from St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru, CHRIST University, Bengaluru, and Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, revealed that 33 per cent of young adults surveyed used alcohol, while nearly 18 per cent were addicted to tobacco. These figures are significantly higher than the national prevalence rates of 8.7 per cent for tobacco use and 7.9 per cent for alcohol use, and also above Karnataka’s reported prevalence of 4.7 per cent for tobacco use and 8.5 per cent for alcohol consumption.
It also noted that the median age of alcohol initiation among Bengaluru adolescents was 17 years, with some reporting exposure as early as 8 years of age.
In view of these findings, the Home Minister instructed police to treat underage drinking not merely as a licensing violation but as a youth safety and public health concern.
All liquor-serving establishments have been directed to implement strict age verification protocols at entry points and before serving alcohol.
Key directions issued include: no person shall be allowed entry into pubs, breweries, bars, clubs, or liquor-serving establishments without valid age proof; establishments must verify government-issued identification before permitting entry or serving alcohol; and any establishment found serving liquor to underage persons or abetting underage drinking will be dealt with severely under applicable law.
The directions further state that owners, managers, licence-holders, and event organisers will be held responsible for violations within their premises.
Entrance CCTV must be functional and preserved for a minimum defined period to verify compliance during investigation.
Police will also coordinate with educational institutions, parents, resident welfare associations, and citizen groups to prevent minors from being exposed to alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics.
Source: IANS
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