Actor Isha Koppikar has raised concerns over underage drinking in Mumbai’s pubs and bars, alleging that minors are being served alcohol freely without identity verification or scrutiny. In a video posted on Instagram, she criticised what she described as a culture of “no questions asked, no accountability” and called for stricter enforcement of age checks, warning that every missed ID check could put a young life at risk.
Koppikar said the issue was not a matter of casual nightlife but one of negligence. Referring to a recent incident, she described how a young girl became so intoxicated that she lost control, leaving a friend to handle the situation. She questioned what might have happened had no responsible person been present, and said such episodes reflected a serious failure of oversight.
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Actor Calls for Stricter ID Enforcement
In her remarks, Koppikar urged pubs, clubs and authorities to enforce rules more rigorously. She said venues should place responsibility above profit and insisted that ownership or influence should not affect how the law is applied.
She argued that there should be no disparity in enforcement and that the same rules must apply to everyone. Her comments framed underage drinking not simply as a compliance issue, but as a threat to the safety of minors in public spaces.
Personal Appeal as a Parent
Drawing on her own experience as the mother of a 12-year-old girl, Koppikar said the matter struck her on a deeply personal level. She appealed to the system to follow rules strictly and protect children, saying that guidance, boundaries and a safe environment were essential for young people.
She also called on parents to remain actively involved in their children’s lives and said the issue should not be treated as a blame game. Instead, she urged greater awareness, prevention and care, warning that even a small act of negligence could have lasting consequences.
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Her intervention comes amid controversy following a drug overdose incident at a concert at the NESCO Centre, where two youths died. According to details cited from a first information report accessed by The Free Press Journal, organisers are accused of multiple violations, including allowing underage drinking, extending the event beyond closing time and failing to prevent drugs from entering the venue.
The report also alleged that alcohol was served to people under 25, including deceased Shreya Rai, despite legal restrictions. Against that backdrop, Koppikar’s remarks have added to wider public scrutiny over venue compliance, official oversight and the responsibility of both businesses and families in preventing avoidable harm.
