A tragic road accident in Guwahati, which claimed three lives on Sunday, has brought to light widespread violations of excise regulations by late-night establishments. The driver and three occupants had consumed alcohol at a bar that remained open until 3 am, far beyond the permitted closing time of 12:30 am.
Excise Officials Acknowledge Routine Violations
Debajit Nath, Superintendent of Excise, Kamrup (Metro) district, stated that although bars with late-night licenses are allowed to operate only until 12:30 am, many routinely flout the norms. They continue serving alcohol beyond permissible hours under various pretexts. He mentioned that drives are conducted periodically, and actions such as imposing penalties are taken against those violating excise rules. Nath also revealed that only five hotels in the city have round-the-clock liquor sale permission, while 80 bars and restaurants hold late-night licenses permitting sales until 12:30 am.
Immediate Suspension of Liquor License
In response to the incident, District Commissioner Swapneel Paul ordered the immediate suspension of the IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) license of the restaurant-cum-bar at Guwahati's Bhangagarh. The three deceased women had consumed liquor at this establishment with their now-arrested friend before the accident occurred at 4:02 am on Sunday.
A subsequent report from DCP Traffic Jayanta Sarathi Borah revealed a critical link to the establishment. Investigations found that four individuals involved in the accident had visited the restaurant-cum-bar at Bhangagarh prior to the crash. They consumed food and alcoholic drinks on the premises from 11 pm on Saturday and departed around 3 am on Sunday, well beyond the legally permitted operating hours.
Violation of Excise Rules
While the restaurant held a late-closing permission, it was only authorized to serve liquor until 12:30 am. By remaining open until 3:00 am, the establishment committed a serious violation of Excise Rule 127(I) of the Assam Excise Rules, 2016, as well as its specific license conditions. The official notice signed by the DC read: "Considering the seriousness of the matter...the undersigned hereby suspends the IMFL ON license of 'D Tipsy Gaon (EXORO)' with immediate effect, until further order."
This incident has raised concerns about the enforcement of excise laws in the city and the potential consequences of such violations on public safety.
