UT to forbid happy hours,women’s nights at pubs

In order to curb the growing menace of underage drinking in city restaurants which have pubs or bars,and also to tighten the noose around the violators of excise law who do so by promoting free liquor,the UT Excise and Taxation Department is soon going to issue an advisory against the same to all the liquor licensees in the city.

In the city,the trend of offering free drinks to ladies on a fixed day of the week has been around for many years,Usually,on Wednesday,women who get free drinks by the establishment to attract clientele. Also,many restaurants offer free drinks offers during certain specific hours called the Happy Hours.

According to officials of the UT Excise Department,promotion of liquor by means of serving it free is not allowed under the Excise Act. Similarly,it has also come to the notice of the Excise Department that the city is witnessing a trend of drinking by underage people. Legally,the age for drinking is 25,while many times it has been seen that those under 25 are also being served liquor as none of the pubs or bars ask for identity cards to verify the age of the customers.