CCTV and AI Cameras Compulsory in all bars across Maharashtra to crackdown on underage drinking

In the last 15 days, the state excise department has inspected a total of 23,690 bars and restaurants across Maharashtra.

Date: July 15, 2024

The state excise department has made it mandatory to install CCTV cameras on the main counters of all restaurants, bars, and pubs serving liquors tk crackdown on under age drinking.

This development takes place after the recent hit-and-run incidents in Worli, Mumbai and Pune. The excise authorities will control these cameras to look for any irregularities.

A team of five has been assembled to work on cameras equipped with artificial intelligence to verify the age of the persons through face recognition while entering such establishments. This aims to restrict entry of any underage citizens.

If someone under 21 is identified, a notification will be sent to the excise official monitoring the CCTV feed on their mobile device.

The excise department will oversee cameras in approximately 2,000 bars, eateries, and pubs in Mumbai. Entry to pubs is restricted to those aged 21 and younger. Individuals aged 21 to 25 can only be served mild beer or wine with less than five percent alcohol content.

It is pertinent to note that in the last 15 days, the state excise department has inspected a total of 23,690 bars and restaurants across Maharashtra. Out of these, 796 had defects that are being addressed. Penalties were issued to 31 hotels for allowing alcohol consumption without a permit, and 83 hotels were found violating approved hours.

In Mumbai, 1,034 bars and pubs were inspected. Actions were taken against 39 hotels not following the rules, with nine licenses suspended. In the suburbs, 1,572 bars and pubs were investigated, and 89 faced consequences. Most were found to be in violation of timing rules, and many were consuming alcohol without a permit.

Whereas, 80 bars, pubs, and orchestras in Pune had their licenses revoked. Additionally, 154 hotels had their licenses suspended for 10 days. 

In May, two software engineers were killed in Pune when a Porsche, allegedly driven by a 17-year-old under the influence of alcohol, struck them. Recently, in Worli, a BMW also hit a two-wheeler, resulting in the death of a woman.