In a significant move to curb rampant violations, the Uttar Pradesh excise department has ordered a sustained statewide crackdown on establishments illegally serving liquor. The directive comes directly from Excise Commissioner Adarsh Singh, who issued a stern warning to department officials on Thursday following a series of complaints.
Commissioner's Stern Directive to Field Staff
Adarsh Singh has mandated that continuous drives be conducted across all 75 districts of the state to regulate watering holes found flouting norms. The commissioner expressed concern over numerous complaints regarding violations of excise rules and the unsolicited behaviour of customers at such spots.
In a strongly-worded letter dispatched to officers overseeing field operations, Singh highlighted a major loophole. Several commercial establishments that had obtained temporary "occasional" bar licences for a limited period were found to be serving alcohol to customers on a regular basis. This not only leads to significant revenue loss for the state exchequer but also severely tarnishes the department's image, the commissioner stated.
The Problem of Open Consumption and Licence Fraud
A separate advisory has been issued to all liquor shop retailers, instructing them to ensure that no one is allowed to consume alcohol openly near their establishments. This move aims to address public nuisance and maintain decorum.
A senior officer posted at the department's Lucknow headquarters revealed that evidence prompted the crackdown. "We have received videos and photographs of several shops, restaurants, and food joints where people are seen consuming liquor openly. These establishments had not obtained a licence for the said day," the officer said. He added that the field staff either failed to report these violations or were unaware of such activities, necessitating a coordinated statewide effort.
Understanding the Licensing Framework
The crackdown focuses on specific types of licence misuse. Currently, permanent bar licences have been issued to only 875 bars in the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. For temporary events, establishments can obtain an "occasional" bar licence.
Under this occasional licence, a single bar counter can be set up at a hotel, restaurant, or resort for a maximum of 12 hours. The fees for this are Rs 5,000 and Rs 11,000. The drive will specifically target venues that operate beyond this limited period or without any licence at all.
Similarly, increased surveillance will be maintained across clubs and other social venues that serve alcohol without obtaining the necessary permits. The excise department's action underscores a renewed focus on enforcement and accountability to plug revenue leaks and ensure rule of law in the state's liquor trade.
