Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru 

Bengaluru, Jun 9: The Karnataka government has decided to take stringent measures to curb the growing incidence of alcohol consumption and substance abuse among minors and has directed the police department to maintain strict surveillance over pubs, bars and all commercial establishments serving alcohol. 

Minister Priyank Kharge instructed city police officials to issue notices to pubs, breweries, bars, clubs, lounges, restaurants and all establishments selling alcohol, directing them to strictly prevent the entry of minors and the consumption of alcohol by underage individuals. 

Kharge ordered all establishments serving alcohol to implement strict age-verification procedures both at entry points and before serving liquor. As part of the directive, entry to bars, pubs and similar establishments will not be permitted without a valid identity card. 

The decision follows a study conducted by researchers from St John's Medical College, Christ University and Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. 

A recent survey involving 4,093 students in Bengaluru raised serious concerns, revealing that one in every three adolescents faces health issues related to alcohol or tobacco use. 

According to Priyank Kharge, who shared the findings on X, 33 per cent of the respondents were found to be addicted to alcohol, while nearly 18 per cent were addicted to tobacco. 

The report stated that the average age at which alcohol consumption begins is 17 years. In some cases, children as young as eight years old were found to have started consuming alcohol. 

“This is not merely a licensing issue. It is a matter of youth safety and public health,” Kharge said, stressing that all establishments selling alcohol must enforce strict age-verification measures before allowing entry and serving liquor. 

Key directives

•             No entry without a valid identity card.

•             Government-issued proof of age is mandatory.

•             Strict action will be taken against establishments serving minors.

•             Owners, managers and licence holders will be held accountable.

•             CCTV cameras at entry points must be functional and footage must be preserved.

•             Police will coordinate with institutions, resident welfare associations (RWAs) and citizen groups.

•             The safety and future of children cannot be compromised for commercial profit.

•             Karnataka will adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards establishments that violate these rules.

•             ‘No ID Card, No Entry’.

•             Serving alcohol to minors is a punishable offence.