Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has directed bars across the state to strictly enforce the legal drinking age of 23, warning of action against establishments that serve alcohol to underage customers. Excise Minister M Liju instructed bar owners and staff to verify the age of customers who appear to be below 23 by checking their Aadhaar cards or other valid age-proof documents before serving liquor.

The minister said bars must ensure that no one below the prescribed age is allowed to purchase or consume alcohol on their premises. The directive follows a fatal accident at Nedumbassery involving a Mini Cooper driven by 19-year-old Suhail Sajeev, which rammed into a scooter carrying three students. Suhail had reportedly visited at least three bars before the accident and was heavily intoxicated.

Expressing concern over underage youngsters consuming alcohol and driving, the minister said such incidents put the lives of others at risk and cannot be tolerated. He urged bar owners to strictly follow the age restrictions and warned that stringent action would be taken against establishments found violating the rules.
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