Excise Dept recommends Odisha Govt to cancel license of three dance bars

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Nov 5:

A day after a special squad was formed in joint participation of Excise Commission and the Commissionerate Police, officials of the former today decided to recommend Odisha Government for cancellation of license of three dance bars operating in Bhubaneswar.

As per information provided by Khurda Excise Commissioner Pramod Kumar Panda, the recommendation is being made based on a report prepared by the joint task force of Excise Department and police officials.

Four teams of both the departments had conducted surprise raids last night at Hotel Deepali, Hotel Green, Ashoka and Rain-The Bar and notices were served on three of them for violating various norms including usage of bar dancers and operating two bars under one license.

“They have the license to run only one bar. However, they have been found to run two bars each with a single license. As the Excise Commissioner, I am going to recommend cancellation,” said Panda.

Police Commissioner Rajendra Prasad Sharma also hinted at going strong against dance bars in the city.

“We have started taking action against bar owners who violate existing norms. We would serve notice upon them asking them to explain the charges. Further follow-up action would be taken including cancellation of licenses, if they fail to provide suitable answers within the stipulated time period,” said Sharma addressing newsmen today.

Yesterday, Commissioner Sharma, announcing formation of the special squad, had announced raids at various bars to ensure that they follow the existing norms.

“If we go by the old criteria, as per a notification issued by the old Excise Commissioner, the entire premises are called bar area. It means, it is not only the bar counter, but also the entire building. The definition, however, was changed yesterday. So far as cancellation notification is concerned, I am not aware of it,” said Satya Mohanty, Secretary of Bar and Restaurant Association reacting to the development.