Crackdown on liquor shops intensified in Hyderabad after tragic car crash

The Prohibition and Excise department in Telangana has intensified its drive against establishments serving liquor to underage persons, in the wake of the death of three members of a family in a road mishap here caused by a youngster, who was driving in an inebriated condition.

The department has cancelled the licence of 'Thank God It's Friday' (TGIF) bar for allegedly serving liquor to six minors. The bar had also served liquor to K Shraveel, the 20-year-old engineering student, who was responsible for the accident. Shraveel's car hit another vehicle, in which three members of a family were killed at Panjagutta here on July 1. The victims were identified as P Madhusudhana Chari, his son Rajesh Kumar and ten-year-old granddaughter Ramya.

"Following the incident, the drive has been intensified and is continuing for the past one week. Focus is on preventing the sale of liquor to persons below 21 years," Excise Deputy Commissioner (Hyderabad) Vivekananda Reddy told PTI.

"Licence of only one bar, TGIF, has been cancelled for serving liquor to minors and show-cause notice has been issued to another wine shop for cancellation," he said.

Inspections were conducted on over 150 establishments (shops and bars) in the city, the senior Excise official said.

Last week, the department launched "systematic and concerted efforts" against the sale of liquor to persons below 21 years of age and also held meeting with managements of bars and restaurants, pubs, hotels, event places/resorts to create awareness on the issue.

"With a view to curb the consumption of liquor by persons below the age of 21 years, the department has insisted on liquor licences and especially bars, pubs, restaurants, clubs to install CCTVs at appropriate places," Excise officials said.

"CCTVs have been installed in 90% of the establishments ...It is not mandatory under Excise rules, still, we are insisting and persuading them," Reddy said adding the drive will continue.

• Hyderabad car crash kills
• Car crash kills Ramya
• Liquor to underage
• TGIF