Stick to timings to serve alcohol or face action: Excise department warns clubs, bars, hotels in Delhi
Clubs and restaurants serving liquor are allowed to operate till 1 am. While hotels can serve liquor inside rooms 24x7, bars and seating cafes have to close after 1 am.
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Besides, officials also said that several restaurants and bars show that their CCTV cameras are non-functional to avoid being caught for violations during inspections.(Representational Image)On finding that several hotels, clubs, restaurants and bars in Delhi are violating rules by serving alcohol beyond prescribed timings, the state excise department has directed all licensees to follow the guidelines mentioned in their licence or face action.
A senior excise official said, “During an inspection, the department’s enforcement team found that several cafes, hotels and bars are serving or selling liquor beyond the prescribed timings… many cases of violations of timings by the licensees were reported. This has been viewed very seriously.”
Clubs and restaurants serving liquor are allowed to operate till 1 am. While hotels can serve liquor inside rooms 24×7, bars and seating cafes have to close after 1 am.
Issuing a circular to all HCR (hotels, clubs and restaurants) licensees, the department said: “All licensees are required to adhere to prescribed timing of operations and other terms and conditions as prescribed under the rules… all… licensees are hereby directed to strictly comply with the above-said rule and ensure to operate only during the prescribed time limit in accordance with their licences. Non-compliance… may invite punitive action.”
Besides, officials also said that several restaurants and bars show that their CCTV cameras are non-functional to avoid being caught for violations during inspections.
“All licensees have now been directed to install cameras inside, outside and on the entire premises of the business area (hotel/club) and ensure they are functional and running… and to provide footage when the department asks, otherwise their licence will be cancelled,” added officials.
Officials said the non-availability of footage hampers the inspection.
“They use this as an excuse to escape being penalised… CCTV footage helps the department take stern action against violations being committed by the hotel or clubs. For instance, several clubs that serve alcohol have been found serving liquor to minors during surprise inspections or serving liquor in violation of the prescribed timing… So, the directions have been issued…,” said officials.
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