After a poster of a bar offering discounts to students went viral on social media, the Mangaluru police took swift action by issuing a notice to the bar owner. Mangaluru Commissioner of Police Anupam Agrawal stated, “On July 25, we learned that Hotel Lalnag Inn in Derebail was promoting alcohol consumption among students and minors through social media.”
The poster, which was being circulated via WhatsApp, depicted discounts aimed specifically at students, raising concerns about encouraging underage drinking. This promotion violated the Karnataka Excise Act, 1965, and the licensing conditions specified under the Act. Commissioner Agrawal emphasized that the Excise Department is the only authority empowered to file a case for such violations, and they have indeed filed an FIR against the establishment under section 36 of the Karnataka Excise Act, 1965.
In addition to the legal action taken by the Excise Department, the Mangaluru police are taking proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future. “The Mangaluru police are committed to preventing such kinds of activities in bars and pubs. Thus, a notice was slapped on the owner. All efforts will be made to prevent such violations in the future. All police stations have been instructed to continuously monitor and check such incidents,” said Commissioner Agrawal.
This incident underscores the authorities’ commitment to enforcing the law and protecting minors from the risks associated with alcohol consumption. By taking swift and decisive action, the Mangaluru police and the Excise Department aim to send a strong message to establishments about the serious consequences of promoting alcohol to minors.