Mangaluru: Excise department of Dakshina Kannada conducted surprise inspections at more than 10 establishments across the city as part of a special drive to crack down on underage drinking.“We inspected more than 10 establishments and verified the identity documents of customers. No irregularities were detected. However, owners and employees were warned that liquor must not be served to anyone below 21,” said Gayathri CH, deputy superintendent, excise department, DK.The inspections were conducted between 8pm and 10.30pm. Officials were deployed simultaneously at different establishments to ensure the checks remained unannounced.Gayathri said the department initiated the drive on its own, following a recent crackdown in Manipal involving cases against the owners and managers of six pubs & bars after 88 people below the age of 21 were allegedly found consuming alcohol.“Although we conduct inspections regularly, this was the first coordinated drive specifically aimed at checking whether liquor was being served to people below 21. Such surprise inspections will continue,” the official said.Licensees have been instructed to verify age using govt-issued documents carrying the customer’s date of birth, such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card or driving licence.The department has also installed boards at licensed establishments stating that liquor must not be served to people below 21. Similar warnings have been issued against drug use on the premises.The officer said licensees are briefed on the rules at meetings held every one-and-a-half to two months. However, frequent employee turnover at bars and restaurants makes continued awareness efforts necessary.“Some newly recruited employees may not know the age-related restrictions. Owners must ensure that their staff verify identification and do not serve liquor to anyone below 21,” she said.Excise teams also checked some establishments for suspected drug use, but no such violation was detected on the premises, the officer added.The raids were conducted under the guidance of excise department deputy commissioner Bindushree
