📷 Image Credits: Moneycontrol
The Pune pub and club scene has undergone a significant transformation following the tragic Porsche incident where a 17-year-old driver mowed down two IT professionals. The incident, which sparked outrage across the nation, has led to a drastic change in the pub culture of the city. Pune-based entrepreneur and fitness influencer, Chirag Barjatya, shared videos of the deserted pubs after the incident, highlighting the impact it has had on the social scene. Barjatya pointed out that the target demographic of these establishments, primarily high school and college students, are now being turned away at the doors. This shift in the pub culture is a direct result of the underage driving and drinking incident that caused the loss of two lives.
In the aftermath of the incident, clubs and pubs in Pune are strictly adhering to the legal drinking age of 25 years. Previously, the law was not consistently followed, but the tragic Porsche case has compelled establishments to enforce regulations more strictly. Videos shared by Barjatya captured the empty and deserted interiors of once-bustling clubs, emphasizing the impact of the new regulations. The change is reflected in the stringent ID checks, denial of entry to underage patrons, and limited alcohol service within the clubs. Furthermore, the pubs are now taking extra precautions to ensure compliance with legal drinking age restrictions.
The Pune Police also took decisive action in the case, detaining the minor driver’s father and arresting executives of the pubs where the underage drinking took place. The teenager, who spent a hefty sum of Rs 48,000 at a pub before the accident, has been sent to a remand home till June 5. The boy was initially granted bail, but public outrage led to a modification of the decision in view of public safety concerns. Additionally, the Porsche involved in the accident had pending legal issues related to registration and road tax. The incident has stirred a wide range of reactions, with authorities vowing to take stringent action against those responsible. The tragedy has not only impacted the pub scene in Pune but also triggered a broader conversation about underage drinking, reckless driving, and stringent law enforcement measures. The ripple effects of this incident are reshaping the social landscape of Pune in significant ways, prompting a necessary reevaluation of safety norms and legal compliance in public establishments.
