Karnataka orders police to enforce age checks statewide

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday directed senior police officials to issue notices to all liquor-serving establishments across the state, mandating strict age verification to prevent entry and alcohol service to minors. The directive applies to pubs, bars, clubs, lounges, breweries, and restaurants.

The order follows growing concern over underage drinking and substance exposure among adolescents in Bengaluru, prompted by a recent study. The research, conducted among 4,093 students from pre-university courses, undergraduate colleges, and higher secondary classes across four city institutions, found that one in three adolescents is at risk of developing health issues due to alcohol or tobacco use. The study was conducted by researchers from St. John's Medical College, Bengaluru, CHRIST University, Bengaluru, and Kasturba Medical College, Manipal.

According to the findings, 33 percent of the young adults surveyed used alcohol, while nearly 18 percent were addicted to tobacco. These figures are significantly higher than national prevalence rates of 7.9 percent for alcohol use and 8.7 percent for tobacco use, and also above Karnataka's reported prevalence of 8.5...