AI-Powered CCTV in Bars: Maharashtra’s Strategy to Curb Underage Drinking

Pune, 31 May 2024 – The Maharashtra State Excise Department is taking strong action against underage drinking in light of recent incidents where alcohol was sold to minors in both urban and rural areas. To combat these issues, the Excise Department has mandated the installation of CCTV cameras in all hotels, bars, and pubs that sell liquor. The footage from these cameras will be accessible on mobile devices by Sub-Inspectors and Superintendents of the Excise Department.

This move comes after a tragic incident in Kalyani Nagar, where minors were served alcohol in pubs and bars. This led to a fatal accident involving a speeding Porsche and a motorcycle, resulting in the deaths of two young IT Engineers. In response, the Excise Department issued new guidelines to ensure stricter monitoring. Specifically, at least two CCTV cameras must be installed in areas where liquor is served, such as at the bar counter, to capture comprehensive footage.

The new CCTV systems must store recordings for at least one month and be operational 24/7 with an inverter facility in place. Inspectors and Superintendents will have user IDs and passwords to access the live CCTV feeds. Additionally, the Excise Department requires that the CCTV cameras have at least two-megapixel resolution. Pubs and bars must also install special software with AI capabilities to analyze image data effectively.

These measures aim to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors and enhance the safety and security of patrons in Maharashtra.

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