Now, no customer can drive home under the influence of alcohol, as per latest advisory by the Gurugram police which is issued to all bars and clubs.
Gurugram Bar Staff Responsible If Drunk Customer Found Driving
The bouncers and staff must ensure a transport arrangement, for example, a taxi, for customers who are found drinking for a long time under this latest advisory.
The Haryana police chief OP Singh said the notice has been sent to all bar and club operators in the district under Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) while speaking at a press conference.
Further adding, “Failure to comply will result in strict action against the particular facility.”
“To ensure that the face of the police is recognised with public trust, we not only have to control crimes but it is also our responsibility to assure citizens of security and justice,” said DGP.
Besides this, the officials have been told to make sure that clear warnings are put up in parking areas to alert customers of the dangers and legal consequences of driving under alcohol influence, said the Police Commissioner Vikas Arora, who was also present at the press conference.
This initiative comes as a backdrop of the sharp rise in drunk driving cases as over 300 fatalities have been reported in the first nine months of this year as per the media report.
Bar Owners Raised Concerns Over New Advisory
In response, the bar owners have raised their concerns over the new advisory issued by the police.
The current order raises “practical and liability concerns,” said Rahul Singh, trustee of the National Restaurant Association of India to the media.
Further adding, “As responsible members of the hospitality community, we fully support any initiative aimed at promoting road safety and preventing drunk driving. However, expecting bars to assess a customer’s level of intoxication or to have in-house drivers operate private vehicles raises practical and liability concerns.”
Rahul, who is also the owner of The Beer Cafe, suggested that it’s better for officials to arrange for professional driver-on-call services rather than shifting the burden onto bar staff.
He said, “A more workable and safer solution would be to collaborate with organised service providers such as Park+ or other verified driver networks. These companies already have trained and vetted drivers, which ensure accountability and safety for both patrons and establishments.”
Moving ahead, he stressed that the law should remain strict and police “should not be lenient with those caught driving after drinking.”
