Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has directed police authorities across the state to strictly enforce age-verification norms at pubs, breweries, bars, clubs, lounges, restaurants and all establishments serving alcohol, in a bid to curb underage drinking and substance abuse among young people.
"Have directed city police officials to issue notices to all pubs, breweries, bars, clubs, lounges, restaurants and liquor-serving establishments to strictly prevent underage entry and underage drinking," read his tweet.
The move comes amid growing concerns over alcohol and tobacco consumption among adolescents, particularly in Bengaluru. Kharge mentioned that a recent study conducted by researchers from multiple universities surveyed more than 4,000 students and found that one in three adolescents is at risk of developing health issues linked to alcohol or tobacco use.
According to the findings, around 33 per cent of respondents reported consuming alcohol, while nearly 18 per cent were addicted to tobacco. The study noted that these figures were significantly higher than both state and national averages. Researchers also found that the median age at which respondents began consuming alcohol was 17 years, with some reporting initiation as early as eight years old.
"This is not just a licensing issue. It is a youth safety and public-health issue," he added.
In 2023, it was re-stated that the drinking age in Karnataka continues to be 21 years and above. At that time, the State Excise Department, in an official release, had clarified that the proposal to lower the drinking age from the present 21 years to 18 years has been withdrawn following “objections raised by public, associations and media”, the release stated.
Under the new directive, all liquor-serving establishments will be required to verify government-issued identity documents before granting entry or serving alcohol. The state government has made it clear that owners, managers and licence holders will be held directly responsible for any violations.
Authorities have also been instructed to ensure strict compliance with CCTV surveillance requirements. Establishments found facilitating underage drinking or violating licencing conditions could face stringent legal action.
Emphasising the need for stronger enforcement, Kharge said Karnataka would adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards underage drinking and substance abuse. He stressed that the health, safety and future of young people could not be compromised for commercial interests.
"Commercial profit cannot come at the cost of the safety and future of our children. Karnataka will follow a zero-tolerance approach against establishments that enable it," he concluded.
Officials said the measures are part of a broader effort to tackle rising substance use among adolescents and strengthen safeguards at venues where alcohol is served.
