State Home Minister Priyank Karg has instructed senior police officers to issue notices to establishments serving alcohol across the state to verify the ages of customers and bar entry of customers below 21 years of age.
The order applies to pubs, breweries, bars, lounges, restaurants, clubs and other licensed venues.
The move comes on the heels of a study conducted by researchers from St John’s Medical College, Christ University and Kasturba Medical College, with a sample size of 4,093 students from higher secondary classes, pre-university courses and undergraduate colleges in Bengaluru. The study found that one in three teenagers faces the risk of health problems related to alcohol or tobacco use.
Among those surveyed, 33% reported that they consume alcohol, and about 18% are addicted to tobacco. The researchers found that these rates exceeded national and state prevalence figures. The study also stated that the average age at which teenagers in Bengaluru started drinking alcohol was 17, while some participants said they started at the age of eight, according to a statement from the Home Ministry.
Officials said the findings require a response that extends beyond routine license enforcement. “In light of these serious findings, Priyank Karg has instructed police to treat underage drinking not only as a license violation, but as a youth safety and public health concern,” the minister’s office said in a statement.
“No person is permitted to enter bars, breweries, bars, clubs or establishments serving alcoholic beverages without valid proof of age. Establishments must verify government-issued identification before allowing entry or serving alcoholic beverages,” the statement read.
The order also places liability for violations on venue operators and event organizers. “Any establishment that provides alcoholic beverages to minors or incites binge drinking will be dealt with strictly in accordance with applicable law. Owners, managers, license holders and event organizers will be held responsible for violations within their premises,” the statement read.
Authorities have instructed establishments to maintain CCTV systems at entrances and preserve footage for a specified period to assist in investigations and compliance checks.
The police have also been asked to work with educational institutions, parents, resident social welfare associations and community groups to reduce the exposure of young people to alcohol, tobacco and drug substances. “Children and young people must be protected from alcohol and drug abuse. Commercial establishments cannot put profit above the safety and future of our youth. The rule is simple: no ID, no entry. Any establishment that incites underage drinking will face strict action,” Karg said.
