Gurugram Bars Now Legally Responsible for Preventing Customers from Drunk Driving

Gurugram police have issued a new advisory stating that bars and clubs will be held responsible if their customers are found driving under the influence of alcohol.

According to the directive, establishments must ensure that patrons who have been drinking extensively are provided with alternative transportation arrangements such as taxis.

Haryana Police Chief OP Singh announced during a press conference that this notice has been distributed to all bar and club operators in the district under Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

He emphasized that non-compliance would trigger strict actions against the establishments in question.

The DGP further stated, "To maintain public trust in the police force, we must not only control crimes but also ensure citizens feel secure and receive justice."

Police Commissioner Vikas Arora, also present at the briefing, mentioned that officials have been instructed to ensure clear warning signs are displayed in parking areas alerting customers about the dangers and legal consequences of drunk driving.

This initiative comes in response to a concerning increase in drunk driving incidents. The Times of India reported over 300 fatalities in the first nine months of this year alone.

Bar owners have expressed concerns regarding the feasibility of the new advisory.

Rahul Singh, trustee of the National Restaurant Association of India and owner of The Beer Cafe, told The Times of India that while they support road safety initiatives, the current order presents "practical and liability concerns."

He explained, "Expecting bars to assess a customer's level of intoxication or to provide in-house drivers for private vehicles creates significant practical and liability issues."

Singh proposed that authorities should consider partnering with professional driver-on-call services rather than shifting responsibility to bar staff.

"A more effective solution would be collaboration with organized service providers like Park+ or other verified driver networks that employ trained and properly vetted drivers, ensuring accountability and safety for everyone involved," he suggested.

Singh also advocated for continued strict enforcement of laws, urging that police "should not be lenient with those caught driving after drinking."