Gurugram Bars Liable If Patrons Drive Drunk, Police Warn
Gurugram Bars Liable If Patrons Drive Drunk, Police Warn
Gurugram bars must monitor intoxicated patrons and arrange safe rides as police tighten rules under BNSS Section 168 to curb drunk driving and save lives.
Gurugram is tightening the ground rules for nightlife. A new police directive invokes Section 168 of BNSS, making bars and restaurants liable if a patron leaves under the influence and gets behind the wheel. The order asks establishments to deploy staff who can monitor customers for signs of intoxication and to arrange cabs or trusted drivers for those who are tipsy or have been drinking for long. Notices are being sent citywide, with clear warnings that noncompliance will invite strict action against the facility. The move comes as part of a broader push to curb road crashes and protect pedestrians and motorists.
Police officials have stressed that the responsibility does not end at closing time. Bar staff should be trained to identify drunk customers, refuse to serve them further, and help them make safer travel arrangements. The directive also urges visible warnings inside outlets about the risks and legal consequences of drunk driving. In a city grappling with rising accidents, authorities say such proactive steps could reduce late-night risk and pressure on traffic police to deal with preventable incidents.
During a briefing, Haryana Police Chief OP Singh singled out certain vehicles that he linked to reckless behavior. He pointed to high-performance options—such as Thar and Bullet motorcycles—saying rogue elements often use them to flaunt stunts on the roads. Gurugram's police commissioner, Vikas Kumar Arora, echoed the emphasis on vigilance, noting that the choice of ride often reflects a mindset that can lead to dangerous actions once drivers have had a drink. Officials insisted that the new framework will channel responsibility back to service providers, not just individual drivers, and would be backed by enforceable penalties.
Crucially, the numbers behind the policy add urgency: this year has already seen hundreds injured and dozens of lives lost in the district's roads. The police say the changes are aimed at reducing those figures by cutting off the chain of risky behavior before it begins. For residents, the policy signals a shift toward safer nightlife and more accountability for venues that play a central role in the city’s social scene. Bar-goers are encouraged to plan ahead and use licensed taxis, rideshares, or designated drivers when stepping out at night.
Cover image source: Gurugram bars now liable for drunk drivers, says top cop, with a swipe at Thar, Bullet owners 🔗
