spot_img
HomeLatestPune Pubs Face Heat Over Minors' Alcohol Use

Pune Pubs Face Heat Over Minors’ Alcohol Use

In response to the May 19 Porsche Taycan crash involving a teenager allegedly consuming alcohol at two pubs, Pune’s excise department has issued notices to all city pubs, bars, and liquor shops. These establishments are being held accountable for crimes committed by minors and individuals without a liquor permit who consume or purchase alcohol on their premises.

This move has sparked significant controversy within the hospitality industry, which describes the action as “high-handed” and the notice as “controversial.” The notice, issued under Section 149 of the CrPC and provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, stipulates that bars and liquor shops will be considered co-accused if such customers create public nuisance, get involved in accidents, commit serious crimes, or even die by suicide.

Establishments are required to take “deliberate precautions” and face the risk of permanent licence suspension if found non-compliant. A senior excise official defended the measure, stating it aims to ensure licensees prevent alcohol misuse and maintain law and order. “This is a preventive action, and all licensees have been informed about it,” the official asserted.

When questioned about how establishments can control patrons’ behaviour post-visit, the official responded, “They must create awareness among patrons who consume alcohol on their premises.” The notice’s clause of holding establishments as co-accused was added after similar actions were taken against pubs in the Porsche crash case. The official clarified that bars or liquor shops would only be held responsible if they sell alcohol to a minor or a non-permit-holding customer. “In cases where an establishment sells liquor to a legally drinking-aged customer with a permit, and that customer then commits a crime, the establishment will not be considered a co-accused.”

The hospitality industry has reacted strongly against the notice. A representative from the United Hospitality Association questioned the selective targeting, asking, “Why not take action against alcohol manufacturers or distributors then? We can only check IDs. It is impossible to check a patron’s background or criminal intentions.” A wine shop owner argued that if licensees are held responsible for crimes committed by customers, then the government should also be liable as it earns revenue from alcohol sales. “The notice is wrong on technical grounds. It is like saying a car dealer is responsible for a road accident caused by a driver they sold a vehicle to.”

Legal experts also weighed in on the issue. A senior advocate and member of the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa explained that authorities are only allowed to act against establishments for selling liquor without a permit or to a minor. “If an adult without a permit commits an offence under the influence of alcohol, how can the establishment be held responsible? This notice will likely not stand in a court of law and is most likely to be challenged.”

Another advocate pointed out the notice’s ambiguity, stating, “In India, there are many types of liquors and different rules for various establishments. Therefore, this type of notice is only harassment of owners. There is no specific provision to hold a bar or liquor shop owner guilty of another person’s crime.”

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -spot_img

Most Popular

Recent Comments

Skip to toolbar