Priyank Kharge reiterates legal drinking age of 21 in Karnataka, warns of strict action against underage alcohol consumption
Bengaluru, June 13
Karnataka's Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday clarified the State government's recent notification regarding the legal drinking age, reiterating that the minimum age for purchasing and consuming alcohol in the state remains 21 years and warning of strict action against establishments found violating the rules.
In a post on X, Kharge stated that serving, selling, or permitting alcohol consumption by anyone below the age of 21 is illegal under the law and would invite stringent action against licensed establishments.
The Minister said the notification was issued with the objective of preventing underage drinking, safeguarding young people, and promoting responsible sale and consumption of alcohol across the State.
"The recent notification is aimed at preventing underage drinking, protecting young people and ensuring responsible alcohol sale and consumption across the State," Kharge said.
Clarifying concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding compliance requirements, the Minister noted that licensed establishments are not required to check and store the identification documents of every customer entering their premises.
He said some sections had misinterpreted the notification and stressed that establishments are only expected to verify the age of individuals who appear to be below 21 years.
"Alcohol serving establishments are not required to check and store the ID of every individual, as some have interpreted. They are expected to verify the ID of those who appear to be below 21 years of age and deny entry unless they are accompanied by adults," the Minister said.
He added that bars, pubs, restaurants, and other licensed outlets have a responsibility to ensure compliance with the law and maintain strict vigilance against underage drinking.
Kharge warned that any lapses in enforcing the regulations would be dealt with severely by the authorities.
— ANI
Reader Comments
But still, 21 is too high! In majority of countries it's 18. Students in colleges are adults at 18, can vote, drive, but can't have a beer with friends? Hope they reconsider this outdated rule.
Good to see the government taking underage drinking seriously. In Bengaluru, many pubs don't even check IDs properly. Hope this notification leads to actual enforcement and not just another paper rule. Responsible drinking culture starts with proper age verification.
I manage a bar in Indiranagar and we always check IDs. But the problem is fake IDs - with digital printing, anyone can create a fake card. Government should also work on creating a verified digital ID system for age verification rather than just blaming establishments.
As someone who moved to Bengaluru from Canada, this is interesting. Back home it's 19 in most provinces. But I respect the local laws. The clarification about not needing to check everyone's ID is practical - saves time for both customers and staff.
Honestly, this notification is a step in the right direction. In Namma Bengaluru, we see many college students getting drunk and causing nuisance. If parents can't control their children, at least the law should. 21 is a reasonable age for alcohol consumption.
R Raghav A < We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.