Karnataka's Zero-Tolerance Stance on Underage Drinking

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has ordered strict measures for liquor-serving establishments to prevent underage drinking, following a study highlighting adolescent substance use in Bengaluru. Establishments must enforce age-verification, and those violating will face strict actions. The initiative underscores youth safety and public health concerns.

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has mandated stringent measures against underage drinking across the state's liquor-serving venues. This move follows a revealing study of 4,093 students in Bengaluru, showing one in three adolescents at health risk due to alcohol or tobacco use. Alarmingly, some begin drinking as early as eight years old.

Kharge's directive emphasizes that the issue transcends licensing—it’s crucial for youth safety and public health. Establishments must now rigorously enforce age-verification and deny entry or service without authentic ID proof. Violating venues will face severe consequences, holding owners and managers accountable.

Additionally, operational CCTV systems at entry points must preserve footage for verification purposes. Law enforcement will collaborate with educational institutions and communities to bolster awareness and enforcement. This initiative marks Karnataka's zero-tolerance towards endangering youth for commercial profits, as underscored by Kharge's stern warning.