Priyank Kharge reiterates legal drinking age of 21 in Karnataka, warns of strict action against underage alcohol consumption

BENGALURU: Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday clarified the state government’s recent notification regarding the legal drinking age, reiterating that the minimum age for purchasing and consuming alcohol in the state remains 21 years and warning of strict action against establishments found violating the rules.

In a post on X, Kharge stated that serving, selling, or permitting alcohol consumption by anyone below the age of 21 is illegal under the law and would invite stringent action against licenced establishments.

The minister said the notification was issued with the objective of preventing underage drinking, safeguarding young people, and promoting responsible sale and consumption of alcohol across the state. “The recent notification is aimed at preventing underage drinking, protecting young people and ensuring responsible alcohol sale and consumption across the State,” Kharge said.

In Karnataka, the legal age for drinking and purchasing liquor is 21 years.

Serving, selling or permitting alcohol consumption by anyone below 21 is illegal and will invite strict action against licensed establishments.

The recent notification is aimed at preventing underage…

— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) June 13, 2026

Clarifying concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding compliance requirements, the minister noted that licensed establishments are not required to check and store the identification documents of every customer entering their premises. He said some sections had misinterpreted the notification and stressed that establishments are only expected to verify the age of individuals who appear to be below 21 years.

“Alcohol serving establishments are not required to check and store the ID of every individual, as some have interpreted. They are expected to verify the ID of those who appear to be below 21 years of age and deny entry unless they are accompanied by adults,” the minister said.

He added that bars, pubs, restaurants, and other licenced outlets have a responsibility to ensure compliance with the law and maintain strict vigilance against underage drinking. Kharge warned that any lapses in enforcing the regulations would be dealt with severely by the authorities. (ANI)