Tejas Navale

Pune: In response to the recent accident in Kalyaninagar, Pune, the State Excise Department has intensified its vigilance. Over the past three days, the department has executed a series of strike operations, deploying 14 teams across the city. As a result, 49 pubs and bars in Pune city and district have been closed and sealed.

The Superintendent of the State Excise Department, Charan Singh Rajput, shared this information on Sunday. Rajput stated, "Following the Kalyaninagar accident, action has been taken against 49 pubs and bars in the Jawalapa area. Prior to this incident, the state excise department had already taken action against 57 pubs and bars in April and May." He further informed that since last year, a total of 257 hotels and bars have faced action, resulting in the recovery of Rs 1.12 crore in fines.

"In the recent crackdown, the state excise department has introduced new regulations regarding the operating hours and premises of pubs and bars. Additionally, we are targeting rooftop venues and establishments selling liquor without a license," said Rajput. Rajput emphasised that this enforcement effort will continue.

The police and municipal administration regularly take action against beer bars operating in violation of regulations. This was demonstrated by the action taken on December 31, 2021, at Chandni Bar in Ulhasnagar. The bar, notorious for its controversies in Ulhasnagar, was permanently sealed by a joint operation of the police and the municipal corporation.

Chandni Bar, located in the section 17 area of Ulhasnagar Camp No. 3, remained open despite strict state government restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19. Consequently, Ulhasnagar Central Police and Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation took decisive action, sealing the bar and closing it permanently.