Kerala bars must check Aadhaar for age after fatal drunk‑driving crash

Kerala's excise minister has ordered all bars to verify customers' age using Aadhaar after a fatal drunk‑driving crash killed three people. The legal drinking age in the state is 23, and any outlet found serving liquor to younger patrons will have its licence suspended or cancelled. Minister M. Liju said the directive follows a recent accident at Nedumbassery where a 19‑year‑old, allegedly after drinking at four bars, caused a collision that took the lives of three youngsters. He told reporters that he had asked the Excise Department to file a case against those bars and that action has already been taken against several establishments. Bars are required to ask for an Aadhaar card or any valid ID if a customer appears under 23, and officials will continue surprise inspections. The UDF government is also drafting a new liquor policy, with the first round of talks completed in October and a public announcement planned for November. The upcoming policy aims to promote responsible drinking while protecting the tourism sector, a shift from the previous LDF regime’s approach. Earlier, the government withdrew a licence that allowed sales of 15 % alcohol “Horti Wines” through bakeries, calling the move inappropriate. All these steps signal a tougher stance on under‑age drinking and a broader effort to curb alcohol‑related accidents.

Context

The legal drinking age of 23 is higher than most Indian states, reflecting Kerala’s long‑standing concerns about alcohol misuse. Stricter checks are seen as a way to reduce incidents like the Nedumbassery crash and to align the new policy with tourism‑friendly goals.