Tamil Nadu orders strict no-liquor sales to people below 21
Tamil Nadu has told clubs and hotels not to sell or serve liquor to anyone below 21 and to verify age proof where needed. The directive also reiterates licence rules on membership cards, bar hours and action for violations.
Liquor must not be sold to any person below 21 years of age, an official said in Chennai on Wednesday.
If a customer's age is in question, staff must verify official documentary proof of age before serving alcohol.
The Government of Tamil Nadu, under the leadership of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, is committed to creating a drug-free, healthy and socially responsible environment across the state, the Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise said in a press release.
In furtherance of this objective, the official said provisions of the Tamil Nadu Liquor (Licence and Permit) Rules, 1981 must be strictly followed in all FL2 (clubs) and FL3 (hotels) licensed premises.
The official said, "No liquor shall be sold, supplied, issued, or served to any person below the age of 21 years. In cases where the age of a person is doubtful, valid documentary proof of age shall be verified before serving liquor."
All FL2-licensed clubs shall issue membership identity cards to their registered members. Liquor shall be served only to registered members and their eligible guests, in accordance with the applicable rules and licence conditions.
The prescribed working hours of FL2 and FL3 bars shall be strictly adhered to without any deviation.
In FL2-licensed clubs, the operation of a bar shall remain only one of the permitted activities.
Club managements shall ensure that other recreational, cultural, sports, and social activities for which the clubs are established are conducted regularly and effectively.
All licence holders must ensure strict compliance with the rules, and any violation shall attract appropriate action, the official added.