Liquor shops, bars operating beyond stipulated time in Bhubaneswar to face action

District Excise Office, Bhubaneswar has directed all the OICs, Inspectors and Deputy Superintendents of the Excise station in the Capital City to keep vigil on the IMFL ‘ON’ shops running illegally beyond the stipulated time by engaging of women and advertising on social media.

Superintendent of Bhubaneswar District Excise Office Debasis Patel has issued a letter in this regard on Monday.

“Allegations have been received that some of IMFL “ON” Shops in Bhubaneswar Excise District are remaining open beyond stipulated hours permissible, play music by engaging women and advertising in social media thereby causing annoyance to the local residents. Therefore, you are instructed to organize check all IMFL “ON” shops who are playing music by engaging women and advertising in social media. The inspecting team must go through available CCTV footage to find out the violation of Excise Rules & Act. In case of violation from CCTV footage, SIR should be drawn,” read the letter. 

“The licensees of IMFL “ON” Shop selling liquor by making BAR other than the approved premises, floor, banquette like in a additional BAR, the same should be closed immediately and report compliance. All licensees of IMFL “OFF” & “ON” Shops have installed hoodings by displaying different liquor brand in front of shops and advertisement made through social media by violating Section-24 of Odisha Excise Act, 2008. No signage will be fixed beside or directly visible from NH/SH as per order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India,” the letter further read.

“Besides, it is seen that some of Excise Shops which have been closed since long, but the signage board of those shops are still installed at the same premises. Those signage should he removed immediately, otherwise chances of illegal sale of liquor in that place cannot be ruled out. It is hereby directed to strictly ensure above guidelines and report compliance, if found any violation of above guide lines action should be taken as per provision of law. Both the Deputy Superintendent of Excise instructed to submit weekly report on checking /inspection/drawl of SIR to the undersigned for taking further course of action,” it added.