Kerala mandates Aadhaar age verification in bars following fatal Nedumbassery crash

Bars across Kerala must now verify the age of customers suspected of being under 23 by checking their Aadhaar or other identification documents. Excise Minister M. Liju issued the strict directive, cautioning alcohol-serving establishments to ensure strict compliance.

Under the new mandate, any bar found serving liquor to underage patrons will face the immediate suspension of its operating licence. The government's renewed focus on age verification follows a recent tragedy on the state's roads.

The minister introduced the heightened scrutiny in direct response to a fatal drunk-driving collision in Nedumbassery. The accident, which claimed the lives of three people, prompted the immediate crackdown on underage drinking to prevent similar casualties.