Pramesh S Jain
Days after Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge directed police to crack down on establishments serving liquor to underage persons,Director General and Inspector General of Police M.A.Saleem on Tuesday issued a detailed circular mandating strict age verification at pubs,breweries,bars,clubs,lounges, restaurants and all liquor-serving outlets across the state.
The circular directs police units to enforce a “No ID,No Entry” policy and ensure that establishments verify the age of patrons through government-issued identity documents before granting entry or serving alcohol.
The move follows concerns over rising alcohol and tobacco consumption among adolescents in Karnataka.
Citing provisions of the Karnataka Excise laws,the circular reiterates that liquor must not be sold or supplied to persons below 21 years of age.
It also bars the sale of alcohol to persons who are mentally unsound,those known or believed to be intoxicated,individuals suspected of being involved in riots, breaches of public peace or other offences,and excise officials,police personnel,railway employees and motor-bus drivers while on duty or in uniform.
The DGP warned that establishments found serving alcohol to minors could face suspension or cancellation of licences,monetary penalties and criminal prosecution against owners, managers and licence holders.
Police have also been directed to ensure CCTV cameras at entry points remain functional and that footage is preserved for at least one month for verification during inspections and investigations.
All police commissioners,range inspectors-general and district superintendents of police have been instructed to submit reports on violations and enforcement action within seven days of receiving the circular.
No ID, No Entry” Policy
Under the new directions:
*No person will be allowed entry into liquor-serving establishments without a valid government-issued identity card proving age.
*Establishments must verify identity documents such as Aadhaar,Voter ID,Passport,Driving Licence or PAN card before granting entry and before serving alcohol.
*Copies of identity documents may be retained for future verification.
Legal Consequences for Violations:
*Police have warned that establishments found serving alcohol to persons below 21 years of age could face.
*Suspension or cancellation of liquor licences.
*Financial penalties.
*Criminal prosecution against owners, managers and licence holders.
*The circular cites provisions under the Karnataka Excise Act,1965 and the Karnataka Excise Licences (General Conditions) Rules,1967, which prohibit the sale of liquor to persons below 21 years of age.
*CCTV Monitoring and Enforcement.
The police have also directed:
*Installation and continuous operation of CCTV cameras at entry points.
*Preservation of CCTV footage for at least one month for inspection during investigations.
*Regular inspections and surveillance of liquor-serving establishments.
Community Participation
Police units have been asked to coordinate with schools, colleges,parents,resident welfare associations and citizen groups to prevent minors from accessing alcohol, tobacco and narcotic substances.
Authorities will also launch awareness campaigns through traditional media,signboards and social media platforms to publicise the new guidelines.
All police commissioners,range inspectors-general and district superintendents of police have been directed to submit compliance reports within seven days,including details of violations detected and action taken.
The move is part of the Karnataka government’s broader effort to strengthen youth welfare and prevent substance abuse among minors.
