BENGALURU: Researchers on underage drinking found one in three adolescents in Bengaluru city are at a risk of developing health issues owing to alcohol /tobacco use. The study brought to light the median age of stating alcohol consumption was 17 years in Bengaluru adolescents with some stating initiation as early as 8 years.

Researchers drawn from educational institutions of Bengaluru city on underage drinking found 33 percent of adolescents and young adults consumed alcohol and nearly 18 percent addicted to use of tobacco which is higher than the national prevalence rates of 7.9 percent use of alcohol and 8.7 percent of tobacco use.

The research was conducted among 4,093 students from pre-university courses, undergraduate colleges and higher secondary classes and the study was conducted by researchers from St John’s College, CHRIST University, both in Bengaluru and Kasturba Medical College, Manipal.

Acting on the outcome of the findings on underage drinking, Minister of Home Priyank Kharge on Monday asked police officers to serve notices to all pubs, breweries, bars, clubs, lounges, restaurants and other establishments serving liquor instructing them to strictly prevent entry and service of alcohol to underage persons.

Without a valid age proof, Kharge said “No IDs, No Entry,” into pubs, breweries, bars, clubs or liquor serving establishments and stated age verification is mandatory before permitting persons entry or serving alcohol.

The Home Minister said “any establishment found serving liquor to underage persons or abetting underage drinking will be dealt with severely under applicable law’ and wanted pubs, breweries, bars, clubs, lounges, restaurants and other establishments serving liquor to be cctv compliance at the entrance.

Kharge made it clear “Karnataka will adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards establishments that enable or encourage underage drinking.”