Drinking by minors: Notice to Karnataka government
Despite such specific provisions being enacted, the instances of liquor being sold to minors are on the rise.
Bengaluru: The High Court on Thursday ordered issue of notice to state government following a PIL seeking directions to it to strictly enforce the provisions of the Karnataka Excise Act and related rules with regard to the prohibition of the sale of liquor and other intoxicants to minors.
“The State government through Rule 10 (1) of the Karnataka Excise Licenses (General Conditions) Rule, 1967, has specifically prohibited the sale of liquor to persons below 21 years. Further the Sec 36(1)(g) of the Karnataka Excise Act, 1965, makes it an offence to sell or give any intoxicant to any child below the age of 18 years,” the PIL stated, adding that despite such specific provisions being enacted, the instances of liquor being sold to minors are on the rise.
It further added that one of the main reasons is that the state authorities have failed in their duty to strictly enforce the provisions of the Karnataka Excise Act and related rules.