State Excise Department Cracks Down On Underage Drinking in Pune, Imposes Heavy Fines on Offending Bars
State Excise Department Cracks Down On Underage Drinking in Pune, Imposes Heavy Fines on Offending Bars
Department vows vigilance to ensure compliance with new regulations.
23 May 2024
By Payoshi Bisht
In response to alarming reports of alcohol being served to minors, the State Excise Department has taken decisive action, imposing stringent fines on bars found guilty of catering to individuals below the legal drinking age. With the deployment of 12 officers and instructions issued to approximately 2,500 bars across Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and surrounding areas, the department is intensifying efforts to curb underage drinking.
As per the rules, any bar caught serving alcohol to individuals under the age of 25 will face immediate penalties, with bar owners liable to be fined Rs 50,000 on the spot. The department has instructed bar owners to implement strict age verification measures, including checking proof of age through security personnel and installing CCTV cameras outside their establishments.
Superintendent of the State Excise Department, Santosh Jagdale, emphasised the department’s commitment to enforcing these regulations, stating, “We will closely monitor compliance with these directives. Inspection teams will review CCTV footage during surprise visits to ensure adherence to the guidelines.”
Highlighting the severity of the issue, Jagdale revealed that from 1st April of the previous year to 31st March of the current year, a total of 297 individuals and establishments were penalised for serving alcohol to minors. The department collected fines amounting to Rs 1 crore 12 lakh from offending bar owners during this period.
Under the new regulations:
- A fine of Rs 50,000 will be imposed for the first offence.
- Unannounced inspections will be conducted at establishments selling alcohol.
- Bar staff will be required to verify the age of customers using valid identification such as Aadhaar cards, PAN cards or driving licences.
- CCTV cameras must be installed at the entrances of hotels, bars and pubs.
- Inspection teams will have the authority request proof of age from customers and review CCTV footage if doubts arise during visits.
