If the excise department were to be believed, Bengalureans have been extremely conscientious when it comes to following drinking rules. For, more than three decades since the drinking age was fixed at 21 from 18, the department has not yet filed a case against owners of pubs, lounges and restro-bars in the city who serve liquor to underage patrons.

However, anyone visiting the numerous bars in the city can testify, those under 21 do end up forming a sizeable chunk of those enjoying a drink.

This anomaly was highlighted by Member of Parliament Rajeev Chandrasekhar in a letter to the Chief Minister Siddaramiah in June.

Following that, the Excise Commissioner S.R. Umashankar issued directions to officials to random checks on pubs, as well as raise awareness in campuses. However, he said that officials had not yet booked cases. “We will continue to conduct surprise inspections, and if those below 21 were found to have been served alcohol, we will cancel the license of the pub or bar,” he said.

However, the checks have had some impact. Numerous bars and restaurants have reportedly tightened their regulations, and demand identity cards before even entry.

A 20-year-old pub regular said this was seen in many joints in Indiranagar and M.G. Road over the past month. “I have not been let in to places where I used to go with friends every week,” he said.

However, it isn’t just booze that drives the youth to bars. A 19-year-old said he was denied entry into the lounge where he had in the past frequented to sample the cuisine. “Most of these places also serve good food. I do not drink and wanted to only go and eat food, but I was not allowed inside,” he said.

In his letter, Mr. Chandrasekhar had named a few hotels and lounge bars as violators, and even asked the Women and Child Department to conduct periodic raids.

Locations of Liquor shops

Kripa Amar Alva, Chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) has also written to the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressing concern that several shops selling liquor were located in close proximity to educational institutions.

She said that the rule that no liquor shops should be located 100 meters from any educational institutions was not being adhered to. This was in violation of Rule 5 of the Karnataka Excise Licenses (General Conditions) 1967. Ms. Alva said that there was a need for the government to ensure that there was a monitoring body to ensure that those below 21 do not have access to liquor.