Underage Drinking Thrives as Bengaluru Bars Face Rising Costs and Lax Checks

As Bengaluru’s nightlife industry reels from rising operational expenses and over 40 bar closures in the past year, another troubling trend remains unchanged — widespread underage drinking. With the state considering a steep hike in licence fees, the temptation to turn a blind eye to age restrictions grows stronger.

Although the legal drinking age in Karnataka is 21, teenagers aged 16-18 continue accessing alcohol easily, often using edited Aadhaar cards or relying on venues that overlook verification to retain footfall. During checks in areas like Koramangala, Church Street, and Indiranagar, minors were observed entering bars with minimal scrutiny. While some clubs enforce ID checks strictly, resto-bars and pubs near colleges often let rules slide.

“I edited my Aadhaar on my phone and changed my birth year. Part of the thrill was not getting caught,” admitted a 19-year-old from Yelahanka. Another student said some places don’t ask for IDs at all if they cater mostly to college crowds.

Family environments also play a role. “Drinking felt normal — my parents let me taste during parties,” shared a student.

Excise officials cite lack of digital ID verification tools and limited penalties — fines range from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000, with no licences suspended solely over underage violations. Over 40,000 inspections were conducted recently, yet enforcement gaps persist.

The NRAI insists on compliance. “We warn violators and escalate if needed. No business should risk its licence for short-term gains,” said Bengaluru chapter head Chethan Hegde.

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