Alcoholics should not forget to take Aadhaar Cards; Excise minister issues strict directions to bars in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Excise Minister M Liju has issued strict directions to bars across Kerala, directing them to serve alcohol only after verifying ages through their Aadhaar cards. The minimum age for purchasing alcohol is 23, and this rule must be strictly enforced, said the minister. He also pointed out that the violation of this rule was evident in the Nedumbassery Mini Cooper accident.

M Liju clarified that it is the responsibility of bar licence holders to verify the Aadhaar cards of customers who visit their firms to consume alcohol. The state government's new excise policy will come into effect in November. The matter has also been brought to the notice of the Kerala High Court. The minister further added that the UDF government's liquor policy would be different from that of the previous LDF government.