Bengaluru, June 8: 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, mandating strict enforcement against minors entering these venues and being served alcohol.
This directive comes amid rising concerns over alcohol consumption and drug use among teenagers and youth in Bengaluru.
Kharge emphasized that Karnataka will adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards establishments that enable or encourage underage drinking. He stated that protecting children and youth from substance abuse must take precedence over profits for commercial establishments. The rule is clear: no entry without identification. Strict action will be taken against any establishment that assists minors in consuming alcohol.
He urged parents, teachers, citizens, and business owners to cooperate with the police.
An official statement from his office referenced a recent study involving 4,093 students from four pre-university courses, graduate colleges, and higher secondary classes in Bengaluru. The research indicated that one in three teenagers in the city is at risk of health issues due to alcohol or tobacco use.
Conducted by researchers from St. John’s Medical College, Christ University in Bengaluru, and Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, the study revealed that 33% of the surveyed youth consumed alcohol, while nearly 18% were 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, it was noted that the average age for initiating alcohol consumption among Bengaluru’s teenagers is 17, with some reporting exposure as early as 8 years old.
In light of these findings, the Home Minister instructed the police to regard underage drinking not only as a licensing violation but also as a public health concern affecting youth safety.