COIMBATORE: Coimbatore city police commissioner N Kannan on Friday told owners of FL2- and FL3-licensed bars not to serve liquor to anyone under the age of 21. Employees of bars should verify patrons’ age using valid Aadhaar cards or other official identification, he said. The commissioner on Friday chaired a consultative meeting with the owners of FL2- and FL3-licensed bars. He issued a set of mandatory directives to them to ensure public safety and strict legal compliance. He said surveillance cameras should be installed and properly maintained on the premises to prevent brawls and law-and-order issues. Employees should remain vigilant, take preventive safety measures and immediately alert police in case of mishaps. Bar managements must systematically organise vehicle parking to prevent traffic congestion in surrounding areas. A strict vigil must be kept against the entry and use of banned substances like gutka and illegal drugs. Bars must operate strictly within govt-stipulated hours, sell only permitted liquor and maintain proper sales records.The commissioner warned that all owners, supervisors and staffers should strictly adhere to these guidelines, emphasising that any violation would invite severe legal action.Nearly 120 bar owners and operators took part in the meeting. Deputy commissioners of police N Devanathan and G Karthikeyan also attended the meeting.
