25-05-2025
Trend of Bengaluru's pubs & bars serving minors continues as booze business struggles
Bengaluru: Even as the city's bar and pub economy contracts — with over 40 establishments shuttered last year amid rising operational costs — an oft-ignored trend has held steady: Underage drinking.
Now that the move to double licence fees and other charges threatens to add to the overhead costs of establishments, the already lax enforcement of the legal drinking age is expected to only continue as every customer counts. While Karnataka's legal age for drinking is 21, underage drinking remains rampant with students as young as 16-18 — many using forged ID cards — finding ways into loosely regulated venues, slipping through cracks widened by inconsistent enforcement and commercial pressure.
Back in Jan 2023, the previous govt had proposed reducing the legal drinking age to 18 to "tap more customers". But the draft notification was withdrawn following public pressure.
During a week-long reality check across establishments in Koramangala, Church Street, and Indiranagar, observers witnessed minors bypassing age restrictions with minimal resistance. While several venues follow regulations, others either avoid checking identification or deliberately overlook the requirements in exchange for increased patronage.
Bars near college areas were found serving visibly minor customers without requesting identification. Students aged 18-20 acknowledged consuming alcohol in both casual dining establishments and dedicated pubs. "It was easy. I just edited my Aadhaar card on my phone and changed the date of birth. The thrill of getting in without being caught was also part of the fun," said a 19-year-old from Yelahanka.
A 20-year-old student from Hulimavu confirmed that some places don't even ask for ID cards.
"... If they know their customer base is mostly college students, they just turn a blind eye. It's like a 'don't ask, don't tell' scene."
However, experiences vary. A 19-year-old from Arekere said, "Resto-bars rarely care, but clubs usually have bouncers checking IDs seriously. We weren't allowed in."
Family attitudes contribute to the normalisation of underage drinking. "My family hosted parties often and they would let me taste their drinks to satisfy my curiosity.
That made drinking feel normal," said one 19-year-old. Nagarajappa T, joint commissioner of excise (IML), Bengaluru, places partial responsibility on parents: "Parents must guide their children. Until 21, most students are still financially dependent and not earning.
There needs to be more parental involvement and social concern."
No digital verification
The department claims to have conducted over 40,000 inspections between July 2024 and March 2025 across Bengaluru's eight excise districts.
However, the joint commissioner admitted they lack digital or biometric systems to verify age. Penalties for serving minors range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000, typically as part of compound cases involving multiple violations. The department hasn't suspended any licences solely for underage drinking offences.
The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), Bengaluru chapter, claims a "zero tolerance" policy on legal compliance.
"We constantly remind our members through our groups and events that ID checks aren't optional. When there is a group of youngsters, age proof must be a standard practice," said Meghna Vakada, co-chapter head.
Chethan Hegde, Bengaluru chapter head of NRAI, added: "It's irresponsible, even beyond the legal issue. The only reason I can think of is revenue, but that is short-sighted. One bad apple can rot the whole basket."
While NRAI doesn't conduct independent audits, it advises members when informed of violations. "We issue a fair warning first, but if it continues, we aren't afraid to report the matter. Why risk your licence and business for a quick buck? It's just not worth it," Hegde said.
