Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Aug 2: Udupi district police have registered six separate cases against pubs and bars in Manipal after a late-night crackdown uncovered several patrons below the legally permitted age, including a 17-year-old minor, allegedly consuming alcohol inside the establishments.
The surprise inspections were conducted on the directions of the Superintendent of Police, Udupi district, following reports that certain pubs and bars within the Manipal police station limits were allowing students to smoke hookah and serving alcohol to persons below 21 years of age, in violation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), the Karnataka Excise Licence Conditions and the Karnataka Excise Act.
The operation was led by Manipal Police Inspector Mahesh Prasad, with six special teams comprising more than 50 personnel drawn from the Manipal, Malpe, Hiriyadka and Kota police stations, along with the Udupi Women Police Station. Simultaneous raids were carried out at Ecstasy 7th Heaven Pub, Sai Sagar Bar & Restaurant (Noch on Top Resto Bar), Down The Road Bar & Restaurant, Dexter Bar & Restaurant, Dee Tee Bar & Restaurant, and Janani Bar & Restaurant (Edge Bar & Restaurant).
During the inspections, police found 64 young men and 23 young women below the age of 21 allegedly consuming alcohol. A 17-year-old minor was also found inside one of the establishments. Spot mahazars were conducted at all six locations, and the reports were forwarded to the Manipal Police Station for further legal action.
Based on the findings, police booked the owners and managers of all six establishments. Further investigation is under way.
Police are also examining the initiation of proceedings to recommend suspension of the establishments' licences to the Deputy Commissioner, Udupi, for allegedly permitting minors and persons below 21 years of age to enter the premises and consume alcohol.
The Udupi district police said similar inspections would continue in the coming days and warned that stringent action would be taken against any pub or bar found violating COTPA provisions or the Karnataka Excise Act by allowing underage persons to enter the premises, smoke hookah or consume alcohol.