Zero Night celebrations in Odisha: Know about liquor restrictions

The Excise Department has executed stringent measures for Zero Night celebrations, with no temporary licenses to be issued for the occasion. The Department is vigilantly monitoring illegal liquor sales and the State government will pursue strict actions against those involved in such trade, Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said on Friday.

In addition, the Excise Minister expressed that strict directives have been issued to maintain robust inspections up until the end of January 2025.

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“No additional (temporary) licenses will be issued now. Secondly, to curb the illegal liquor trade, I had a discussion with the Department officials concerned. It has been decided that starting from today up to the end of the coming month (i.e. January 31, 2025), massive enforcement raids will be carried out across the State,” the Excise Minister said mediapersons.

“Illegal sales of liquor on the pretext of Zero Night and New Year celebrations will be dealt with sternly. Stringent action will be taken against those who will be found guilty and District Collectors in the State have duly been informed in this regard,” the Excise Minister further said.

Speaking to the media in Bhubaneswar, the minister had previously cautioned that strong actions will also be taken against those involved in disruptive activities under the influence of alcohol during these festive days.

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Surveillance will also focus on ensuring that bar owners and liquor vendors adhere to the State government guidelines, leaving no room for any kind of misconduct.

With the countdown to New Year’s Eve having begun, the Excise Department has ramped up preparations to tackle potential challenges during the festivities, especially during the much-anticipated Zero Night celebrations.