Pune, 23rd May 2024: The state excise department in Pune is under fire for allowing minors to access alcohol in city pubs. To address this issue, the department is proposing tough new measures, including hefty fines for bars caught serving alcohol to individuals under 25 years old.
According to Santosh Jagdale, Deputy Superintendent of the State Excise Department in Pune, regulations are being drafted in collaboration with the Pune District Collector to crack down on underage drinking. Offenders could face a fine of Rs 50,000, or even risk losing their license or facing temporary closure.
Jagdale highlighted that beer can be served to individuals aged 21 and above, while hard liquor is restricted to those aged 25 and older. Pub owners are now required to verify the age of patrons at entry points through security personnel and install CCTV cameras outside their establishments. Staff must also ask for proof of age, such as Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, or driver’s licenses, from anyone who appears underage.
To ensure compliance, the state excise department plans to monitor CCTV footage regularly. Inspection teams will review recordings from pubs, bars, and hotels to ensure that age verification protocols are being followed.
These measures are being implemented to tackle underage drinking and promote responsible alcohol consumption in Pune’s nightlife scene.
Thanks For Reading Report of Punepress.com