Pubs in Hyderabad told to check drug consumption

Hyderabad, Jan 31 : The Telangana government on Monday asked the managements of all pubs in Hyderabad to take all the steps to check the usage of drugs in their premises.

Minister for Prohibition and Excise V. Srinivas Goud held a meeting with managements of all pubs and gave them instructions in the wake of the state government declaring a crackdown on narcotic drugs.

The pub owners were told that they will be held responsible if drug abusers were found to be using their premises.

They have been asked to observe the movements of customers, check if anything is mixed in cigarettes and keep an eye on other suspicious activity.

The pub managements were told that they can install CCTV cameras in the smoking area to keep a check on their customers for any suspicious activity.

The minister told pub owners not to be afraid while dealing with drug peddlers or abusers, even if they are influential. He assured them that the government will give them all the support and even a special incentive.

Srinivas Goud also stated that serious action will be taken against those operating through dark web and other courier services to transport drugs.

The minister said foreign students booked for drug abuse will be repatriated to their respective countries and their passports will be seized.

Referring to complaints about sound pollution caused by pubs, the minister directed them not to play loud music. He warned that pubs playing loud music will be booked and their equipment will be seized.

The complaints about noise pollution can be made to the Excise Department on toll-free number 1800-425-2523. Pub owners were also asked to display the toll-free number inside the premises.

Excise Department officials will undertake inspections to check if the pubs are following the instructions on noise pollution.

Monday's meeting came close on the heels of the state government announcing an action plan to eradicate the menace of drugs.

At a meeting with police and excise officials on January 28, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao made it clear in the narcotic drug cases, the accused will not be spared however high and mighty they may be.

He also directed officials to cancel licenses of the pubs and bars if they are found allowing drug consumption.