All Dance Bars Will Be Closed In Odisha, BJP Govt Promises Big Reforms In New Excise Policy

Amidst the ruckus by Opposition in the Assembly over hooch tragedy, Odisha Excise Minister on Friday made a big statement in the House on the future of dance bars.According to Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, all the dance bars in Odisha will be shut down. The minister further said that, no liquor shops will be opened near schools, colleges and temples. Earlier, the Opposition had brought an adjournment motion over the Chikiti hooch tragedy. In his reply, the Excise Minister informed that a new excise policy will be brought in taking into account ‘Odia Asmita’. There would be massive reforms in the new excise policy. As per law, there would be no liquor shops near religious institutions, schools, colleges and other educational institutions. Making a clear statement, the minister warned that the network of illegal trade will be completely wiped out in the state.