Research Finds Underage Alcohol Consumption In Bengaluru More Than National Average, Home Minister “No IDs, No Entry” To Bars, Pubs

BENGALUR: Researchers on underage drinking have found that one in three adolescents in the city of Bengaluru are at risk of developing health problems due to alcohol/tobacco use. The study found that the average age of alcohol consumption among adolescents from Bengaluru was 17 years, while some started consuming alcohol as early as 8 years old.

Researchers selected from educational institutions of the city of Bengaluru on underage alcohol use found that 33 percent of adolescents and young adults consume alcohol and about 18 percent are addicted to tobacco use; This rate is higher than the national prevalence rates of 7.9 percent for alcohol use and 8.7 percent for tobacco use.

The research was conducted among 4,093 students from pre-university courses, undergraduate colleges and high school classes, and the study was conducted by researchers from St John’s College, CHRIST University, both in Bengaluru and Kasturba Medical College, Manipal.

Acting on the outcome of findings on underage drinking, Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday asked police officers to instruct all pubs, breweries, pubs, clubs, lounges, restaurants and other establishments serving liquor to strictly prevent entry and service of alcohol to minors.

Kharge called “No ID, No Entry” into bars, breweries, taprooms, clubs or establishments serving liquor without valid proof of age, stating that age verification is mandatory before people are allowed to enter or serve alcohol.

The Minister of Internal Affairs said that “any establishment that serves alcohol to underage persons or encourages underage drinking will be seriously dealt with in accordance with applicable laws” and asked pubs, breweries, pubs, clubs, lounges, restaurants and other establishments serving alcohol to comply with CCTV rules at their entrances.

Kharge made it clear: “Karnataka will adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards establishments that enable or encourage underage drinking.”