No Mandatory ID Scanning At Bengaluru Pubs, Clarifies Karnataka Home Minister

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has clarified that there is no mandatory ID scanning at pubs and the legal drinking age in the state remains 21. The clarification, issued in Bengaluru, aimed to clear the air following panic and misinterpretation of recent notifications among party-goers and restaurateurs.

The confusion began after the state government issued recent notifications targeting underage drinking. Some sections of the hospitality industry misread the directives as a blanket mandate requiring establishments to log and store the personal details of every single customer who walked through their doors.

Addressing these concerns, Kharge stated in a post on the social media platform X that alcohol-serving establishments do not need to collect and store the personal data of all patrons. He clarified that pub-goers are not required to hand over their identification cards to pub owners, nor do they have to let establishments scan and store their personal details.

Instead, the minister explained that pub owners are expected to verify the identification of individuals who appear to be below 21 years of age. Establishments must deny entry to these individuals unless they are accompanied by adults.

The minimum age for purchasing and consuming alcohol in Karnataka remains strictly at 21 years. Kharge emphasized that the recent notification was specifically aimed at preventing underage drinking, protecting young people, and ensuring responsible alcohol sale and consumption across the state.

However, the minister also warned that the government would take strict action against any establishments that fail to monitor their patrons. Any lapse in maintaining vigilance regarding the age limit will be dealt with severely by the authorities, according to Kharge. The clarification ensures that patrons can head out without the worry of mandatory data logging.