BELAGAVI: The excise department has taken serious note of a recent incident in which a three-year-old boy was allegedly made to consume alcohol at a bar in Raibag town of Belagavi district.According to preliminary information, an elderly man brought the child to Pritam Bar and Restaurant and allegedly forced him to drink alcohol along with him. The incident drew outrage, with the bar owner and staff coming under fire for allowing a minor to enter the premises and consume liquor. The irresponsible conduct of the elderly man has also been condemned. The incident reportedly came to light after a person in the bar recorded a video of the episode and circulated it on social media. Speaking to The Times of India, Joint Commissioner of Excise (Belagavi Division) Fakirappa Chalavadi said the department will initiate action against the establishment. “Allowing minors into bars and serving them alcohol is a clear violation of the law. The legal age for consuming liquor is 21, and appropriate action will be taken against the bar owner,” he said.Under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, anyone who gives or causes a child to consume an intoxicating substance—except on advice of a medical practitioner—can face rigorous imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.
