Copyright timesnownews
Gurugram: Gurgaon Police have rolled out a strict directive to bars and restaurants across the city, making it their responsibility to ensure that no intoxicated customer drives home drunk. The new rule, enforced under Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS), warns that owners will face action if their patrons are caught driving under the influence. Police Commissioner Vikas Kumar Arora confirmed that notices had already been sent to all establishments in the city. As per a TOI report, under the new mandate, staff must monitor customers’ conditions, arrange cabs or special drivers, and ensure that no inebriated person leaves the premises behind the wheel. ‘Strict Action Against Facilities That Fail to Comply’"Failure to comply will result in strict action against the particular facility," a police official stated. The move comes in response to a troubling rise in road accidents in Gurgaon, with 333 fatalities recorded in 810 crashes during the first nine months of the year. Officials said the initiative aims not just to save lives but also to reduce the need for frequent police checkpoints, shifting responsibility to businesses serving alcohol. The directive was discussed in a recent meeting chaired by Police Commissioner Arora and attended by senior officials. During the session, Singh urged police officers to ensure that all bars and restaurants displayed clear warnings or ran electronic tickers in parking areas highlighting the dangers of drunk driving. He also called for increased vigilance around high-performance vehicles and superbikes, often linked to reckless late-night driving. However, Singh cautioned that enforcement must not inconvenience citizens. "People buy vehicles to enjoy their lives, not to be harassed at checkpoints," he said, adding that while road safety remains a top priority, officers must act courteously and avoid unnecessary hassle. Singh also instructed that checkpoints be removed from areas already monitored by CCTV cameras, allowing smoother movement for law-abiding citizens. Better Signage and Smarter Policing Singh further directed the installation of clear, bilingual signage in English and Hindi at all key locations to warn against drunk driving and to assist those unfamiliar with English. He also called for improved road signage across the city, emphasising that visibility and clarity were key to preventing mishaps. Beyond road safety, Singh also addressed the growing menace of cybercrime. He urged citizens to stay alert to online scams and revealed that Gurgaon’s cyber police unit is being upgraded with new technology and additional personnel to tackle digital fraud more effectively.
