Bengaluru, June 8: In a major crackdown on underage drinking and substance abuse among teenagers, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has directed senior police officials to issue notices to all pubs, breweries, bars, clubs, lounges, restaurants and other establishments serving alcohol in Bengaluru, mandating strict age verification for every customer.
The move comes amid growing concerns over rising alcohol and tobacco consumption among adolescents and young adults in the city.
The Karnataka government has announced a strict “No ID, No Entry” policy for all establishments serving alcohol.
Under the new directive, customers will not be allowed to enter pubs, breweries, bars, clubs or similar venues unless they produce valid government-issued identification proving their age.
Establishments have also been instructed to verify age before serving alcohol, making age checks mandatory both at entry points and service counters.
Study Raises Alarm Over Teen Alcohol Consumption
The action follows findings from a recent study conducted among 4,093 PUC, undergraduate and higher secondary students from four major educational institutions in Bengaluru.
The research, carried out by experts from St. John’s Medical College, Christ University and Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, revealed that nearly one in every three adolescents in Bengaluru is at risk of health problems linked to alcohol or tobacco use.
According to the study:
- 33% of surveyed youth reported consuming alcohol.
- Nearly 18% reported tobacco use.
- Both figures are significantly higher than national and state averages.
- The average age at which adolescents in Bengaluru begin consuming alcohol is 17 years.
- Some respondents reported being introduced to alcohol as early as eight years of age.
Owners and Managers to Be Held Accountable
The government has made it clear that pub owners, managers, licence holders and event organisers will be held directly responsible for violations occurring within their premises.
Any establishment found serving alcohol to minors or facilitating underage drinking will face stringent legal action under applicable laws.
CCTV Monitoring Made Mandatory
As part of the enforcement measures, all establishments have been directed to ensure CCTV cameras at entry points remain operational at all times.
They must also preserve CCTV footage for a prescribed period to assist authorities in verifying compliance and conducting investigations when required.
Joint Effort to Protect Youth
The government has instructed police to work closely with educational institutions, parents, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and citizen groups to prevent minors from falling prey to alcohol, tobacco and narcotic substances.
Officials say awareness campaigns and enforcement measures will be intensified across Bengaluru in the coming months.
‘Zero Tolerance’ Against Violators
Priyank Kharge stressed that the Karnataka Government would adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards establishments encouraging or enabling underage drinking.
“Our children and youth must be protected from alcohol and substance abuse. Commercial establishments cannot prioritise profits over the safety and future of young people. The rule is simple—‘No ID, No Entry’. Any establishment found facilitating underage drinking will face severe legal consequences,” the minister said.
The minister also appealed to parents, teachers, citizens and business owners to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in safeguarding young people from addiction and substance abuse.
