Karnatakas Home Minister Orders Strict Age Verification in Bars and Pubs

Bengaluru, June 9: Karnataka’s Home Minister Priyank Kharge has directed senior police officials to issue notices to all pubs, bars, clubs, lounges, restaurants, and other establishments serving alcohol. The aim is to enforce a strict ban on the entry of minors and the serving of alcohol to them.

This directive comes amid rising concerns about alcohol consumption and drug use among teenagers and young adults in Bengaluru.

The Home Minister emphasized that Karnataka will adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards establishments that enable or encourage minors to consume alcohol.

Priyank Kharge stated that it is essential to protect children and youth from substance abuse. Business establishments must prioritize the safety and future of our youth over profit. The rule is straightforward: no entry without identification. Strict action will be taken against any establishment that assists minors in consuming alcohol.

He urged parents, teachers, citizens, and establishment owners to cooperate with the police.

An official statement from his office referenced a recent study conducted on 4,093 students from four educational institutions in Bengaluru, including pre-university courses, undergraduate colleges, and higher secondary classes. The study found that one in three teenagers in the city is at risk of health problems due to alcohol or tobacco use.

Researchers from St. John’s Medical College, Christ University in Bengaluru, and Kasturba Medical College in Manipal conducted the study. It revealed that 33% of the surveyed youth consume alcohol, while nearly 18% are addicted to tobacco. These figures significantly exceed the national rates of 8.7% for tobacco use and 7.9% for alcohol consumption, as well as the reported rates in Karnataka of 4.7% for tobacco and 8.5% for alcohol.

Additionally, the average age for initiating alcohol consumption among Bengaluru’s teenagers is reported to be 17, with some having been exposed to it as early as 8 years old.

In light of these findings, the Home Minister has instructed the police to regard underage drinking not only as a licensing violation but also as a public health concern and a threat to youth safety.

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