Mangaluru: Excise department raids over 10 bars, pubs to check underage drinking

Mangaluru: Excise department raids over 10 bars, pubs to check underage drinking

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug. 7, 2026: Excise Department officials conducted surprise raids on more than 10 bars and pubs across the Mangaluru City Corporation limits on Wednesday night as part of a special operation to check underage drinking.

During the operation, officials checked the identity documents of customers and instructed licensees not to serve alcohol to minors. They warned that strict action would be taken against establishments found serving alcohol to underage customers.

The special operation was conducted simultaneously at several establishments between 8 p.m. and 10.30 p.m. under the guidance of Excise Deputy Commissioner Bindushree.

Officials strictly verified customers’ age proof during the raids. “We inspected more than 10 establishments and verified the identity documents of customers. No violations were found. However, owners and employees were strictly warned not to serve alcohol to anyone below 21 years of age,” said Dakshina Kannada Excise Department Deputy Superintendent Gayathri C.H.

Gayathri said the department launched the operation proactively following a recent major crackdown in neighbouring Manipal. In that operation, cases were registered against the managements of six pubs and bars after 88 persons below the age of 21 were found consuming alcohol.

The Excise Department has directed licensees to verify the age of young customers using valid government-issued identity documents displaying their date of birth, such as PAN cards, driving licences or Aadhaar cards.