Hyderabad: Get ready to show your Aadhaar to have a drink at a pub

Be ready to show your Aadhaar before entering a pub in Hyderabad.

The prohibition and excise department of Telangana has made it mandatory for pub-goers to show an identity card, particularly Aadhaar, for entry.

The step is an attempt to check entry of minors at pubs where they are often served alcohol.

The investigation in the murder of a 17-year-old girl revealed that she along with other minors were served alcohol at a city-based hotel. Investigators found that the girl, who was a student of Silver Oaks School, was a frequent pub-goer. The incident raised questions on entry of minors at pubs where they are served alcohol.

The prohibition and excise department has now asked owners of all pubs across Hyderabad to ensure that their clients carry Aadhaar cards to prove their age. Those below 21 years of age will not be allowed to enter a pub.

Excise Commissioner R V Chandravadan told India Today that the department is insisting on identity proofs from minors to check drunk driving. "We have also asked pubs and bars to serve liquor in limited quantity to prevent untoward incidents," he said, adding that the state has tied up with cab aggregators like Ola and Uber to provide safe rides to pub-goers.

The government has also instructed pub and bar managers to maintain a separate register with details of their clients. Besides preventing entry of under-age visitors at the pubs, the move could also help the excise department track movement of those it suspects of being involved in drug rackets.

The SIT investigating the infamous synthetic drug racket in Hyderabad had earlier issued warning to 14 city pubs and suspended the license of the high-profile F Club. The excise department had warned pubs and hotels against sale and consumption of drugs in their premises.

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