Liquor bottles to get don't drink, drive' label: Telangana government

Hyderabad: The TS Government is looking at options to have a ‘Do not drink and drive’ warning on each liquor bottle.

The excise department is also preparing proposals to make it mandatory for all bars to procure breathalysers and check customers before they exit premises.
The plans were announced by excise commissioner Dr R.V. Chandravadan, who was speaking at a conference organised by the Cyberabad Police drunken driving.

Cyberabad East police commissioner Mahesh Bhagawat said minors who are now caught driving or who are under the effect of alcohol are more likely to be convicted as enough evidence is being collected against them. He said future job prospects could also be hurt by a conviction.

Mr Chandravadan added that said holding the excise department responsible for drinking and driving was not fair and said that the department was responsible for a slew of new programmes as part of Mission Smart ride.

According to the officials, the proposals to make it mandatory for bars, pubs, hotels and resorts to procure breathalysers are in process.

“Managements can then identify a drunk motorist and arrange transport facilities for them to reach home. Very soon, an app with guidelines on drunk driving will be released by the department,” he said.

Mr Bhagawat added that owners of the vehicles who allow minors to drive them will also be booked. In fact, they will be charged with abetment of the crime — which attracts a Rs 1000 fine and at least a three-month sentence.

“We will be using CCTV footage and other evidence while registering a case. It could hurt careers,” he said.