The state excise department has launched a campaign to install CCTV cameras on the main counters of all restaurants, bars, and pubs. This follows recent hit-and-run incidents in Worli and Pune. The excise authorities will control these cameras to look for any irregularities.
In order to restrict the entry to underage persons, a team of five has been assembled to work on cameras equipped with artificial intelligence to determine their ages through face. These AI cameras will be mounted on the counters. If someone under 21 is identified, a notification will be sent to the excise official monitoring the CCTV feed on their mobile device.
The excise department will oversee cameras in approximately 2,000 bars, eateries, and pubs in Mumbai. Entry to pubs is restricted to those below the age of 21. Individuals aged 21 to 25 can only be served mild beer or wine with less than five per cent alcohol content.
Following the incidents, the state excise department has inspected a total of 23,690 bars and restaurants in Maharashtra in the last 15 days. Out of these, 796 had defects that are being addressed. Penalties were issued to 31 hotels for allowing alcohol consumption without a permit, and 83 hotels were found violating approved hours.
In Mumbai, 1,034 bars and pubs were inspected. Actions were taken against 39 hotels not following the rules, with nine licenses suspended. In the Mumbai suburbs, 1,572 bars and pubs were investigated, and 89 faced consequences. Most were found to be in violation of timing rules, and many were consuming alcohol without a permit.
Meanwhile, 80 bars, pubs, and orchestras in Pune had their licenses revoked. Additionally, 154 hotels had their licenses suspended for 10 days.
In May, two software engineers were killed in Pune when a Porsche, allegedly driven by a 17-year-old under the influence, struck them. Recently, in Worli, a BMW also hit a two-wheeler, resulting in the death of a woman.
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