Administration tightens grip on underage drinking and drunk driving

Bars and liquor stores under scrutiny: Drivers to be checked with breath analyzers

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Following a high-profile Porsche car accident in Pune, state authorities have intensified scrutiny of permit rooms, beer bars, liquor shops, and minor drivers. District Collector Dilip Swami has mandated the formation of joint teams from state excise, police, municipal corporation, RTO, health, and other departments to inspect these establishments. Swami also emphasized the importance of conducting breathalyzer tests on night drivers.

A meeting at the collectorate office on Wednesday, attended by superintendent of police (rural) Manish Kalwania and other officials, focused on preventing alcohol-related crimes and accidents involving minors. The enforcement of criminal charges against parents of minor drivers, cancellation of vehicle registrations, and fines under the Motor Vehicle Act were highlighted. Public awareness programmes at colleges were also suggested.

Liquor sales have been restricted to 10 am to 10:30 pm for both shops and permit rooms and beer bars. Swami issued strict orders to bar managers and liquor sellers to avoid selling alcohol to anyone under 21 and to prohibit minors from entering these establishments. Additionally, the administration plans to take action against public drinking around liquor shops, inside dhabas and hotels, and to conduct breathalyzer tests on suspected drunken drivers. The district currently has 36 liquor shops, 822 permit room beer bars, 106 beer shops, and 142 country liquor shops. These measures aim to enhance public safety and reduce alcohol-related incidents.