Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has directed all liquor-serving establishments, including pubs, breweries, bars, clubs and similar venues, to strictly verify the age of customers before granting entry or serving alcohol. The move follows concerns over rising alcohol and tobacco consumption among adolescents and aims to strengthen enforcement of the state’s legal drinking age of 21 years.

The directive was issued after a recent study revealed that a significant proportion of young people in Bengaluru are consuming alcohol and tobacco at rates substantially higher than state and national averages.

Government orders strict compliance

The decision was announced following instructions issued by Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge on June 8 to senior police officials.

Under the new guidelines, all liquor-serving establishments have been directed to implement strict age-verification procedures. Customers must produce valid government-issued identification documents before being allowed entry into venues where alcohol is served or before purchasing alcoholic beverages.

The government has emphasised that the issue is not merely a licensing matter but also a significant public health and youth safety concern.

Establishments held accountable

Authorities have warned that owners, managers, licence holders and event organisers will be held directly responsible for any violations occurring on their premises.

Police have been instructed to take stringent action against establishments found serving alcohol to underage individuals.

The government has also directed venues to ensure that CCTV systems remain fully functional and that surveillance footage is preserved for a specified period to assist investigations and compliance checks.

Officials believe stricter monitoring and enforcement will help curb access to alcohol among minors and improve accountability within the hospitality sector.

Study highlights worrying trend

The government’s action follows findings from a study conducted by researchers from St John’s Medical College, Christ University and Kasturba Medical College.

The research surveyed 4,093 students enrolled in pre-university courses, undergraduate programmes and higher secondary education across four educational institutions in Bengaluru.

According to the study, 33 per cent of the surveyed youth reported consuming alcohol, while nearly 18 per cent admitted to using tobacco products.

Consumption rates exceed national averages

The findings indicated that alcohol and tobacco use among Bengaluru’s youth is significantly higher than both national and state averages.

According to the data cited in the government’s press release, the national prevalence rate stands at 7.9 per cent for alcohol use and 8.7 per cent for tobacco use.

In Karnataka, reported prevalence rates are 8.5 per cent for alcohol consumption and 4.7 per cent for tobacco use.

The study’s figures suggest that alcohol and tobacco consumption among surveyed students in Bengaluru is several times higher than these averages, raising concerns among policymakers and public health experts.

Early initiation raises concerns

Researchers also found that the median age at which adolescents in Bengaluru began consuming alcohol was 17 years.

More concerningly, some respondents reported being introduced to alcohol as early as eight years of age.

Health experts have long warned that early exposure to alcohol and tobacco can increase the risk of addiction, long-term health complications and behavioural problems later in life.

The Karnataka government’s latest directive is expected to strengthen enforcement measures and reduce access to alcohol among underage individuals, while encouraging greater responsibility among establishments licensed to serve liquor.