Published Jun 08, 2026 | 5:20 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 08, 2026 | 5:20 PM
Strict action will be taken against any establishment found serving liquor to underage persons or facilitating underage drinking.
Synopsis: Karnataka has directed pubs, bars and other liquor-serving establishments to strictly verify the age of patrons and deny entry to underage persons as part of a crackdown on underage drinking. Establishments found violating the rules will face strict action.
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has directed the state police to issue notices to pubs, breweries, bars, clubs, lounges, restaurants and other liquor-serving establishments to strictly enforce age verification and prevent the entry of underage persons or the service of alcohol to them.
The directive follows a recent survey of 4,093 students from pre-university courses, undergraduate colleges and higher secondary classes across four educational institutions in Bengaluru, which found that one in three adolescents in the city is at risk of developing health issues due to alcohol or tobacco use.
The prevalence rates recorded in the study were substantially higher than the national figures of 7.9 percent for alcohol use and 8.7 percent for tobacco use.
“Children and young people must be protected from alcohol and substance abuse. Commercial establishments cannot place profit above the safety and future of our youth. The rule is simple: No ID, No Entry. Any establishment abetting underage drinking will face severe action,” Kharge said.
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Under the directions, no person should be allowed entry into pubs, breweries, bars, clubs or other liquor-serving establishments without valid proof of age.
Strict action will be taken against any establishment found serving liquor to underage persons or facilitating underage drinking.
Owners, managers, licence-holders and event organisers will be held accountable for violations occurring on their premises.
In addition, establishments serving liquor must ensure that entrance CCTV systems are functional and that footage is preserved for a specified minimum period to aid investigations and verify compliance.
Police will also coordinate with educational institutions, parents, resident welfare associations and citizen groups to prevent minors from being exposed to alcohol, tobacco and narcotics.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
