Police, excise department to take action if pubs allow Under-18s with fake IDs

BENGALURU: Preparations are going on in full swing for welcoming the New Year in the city, especially in pubs, clubs and bars with DJ nights and other fun events. Expectedly, most college students will be looking for such pubs and party venues to ring in the New Year with friends.

The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR), the police and the Excise Department are keeping a watch after receiving several complaints from parents that Under-18 youths are being allowed into pubs. The police have come to know that several youngsters are getting fake Aadhaar cards so that they can gain entry into places where those under 18 years of age are not allowed.

At popular hangouts like Church Street, Koramangala and Indiranagar, teenagers, school- and college-going students are frequenting pubs out of curiosity and for the experience. However, now the KSCPCR, the police and the Excise Department will keep eagle’s eye on such pubs in the city. The police department will also taken action against pubs if they allow those aged under 18 with fake Aadhaar cards.

Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights president K Naganna Gowda requested police and Excise Department to be vigilant about youngsters entering pubs with fake Aadhaar cards during New Year celebrations.

Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights president K Naganna Gowda said, “We have to pay more attention to children’s safety. New Year Eve celebrations should be meaningful. Some teenagers are going to bars and pubs to consume alcohol and narcotic substances. I would request the police and the Excise Department to be vigilant about teenagers (U-18) trying to gain entry into pubs. If they are seen in pubs, police should convince them that they should not be at such places as per the legal age limit.”