High Court Seeks Delhi Police’s Response On Action Taken Against ‘Illegal’ Bars, Pubs
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (July 30) sought response of the Delhi Police on the action taken against alleged illegal bars and pubs in the national capital.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela sought Delhi Police’s reply to a PIL filed by one Mahtab Khan.
The plea alleges that there is rampant illegality in the operations of clubs, pubs, bars and Restaurants in Delhi, which is causing grave losses to the state exchequer due to the violation of licensing regulations under the Excise Act and the applicable Rules.
It adds that many pubs and bars are being operated here which are selling alcohol without required licenses and throw events and parties each night which go on till 7:00 AM in the morning.
“These places are serving alcohol throughout the night and pushing the youth into alcoholism. It is also pertinent to mention here that the underage youth of the city are frequenting such places and are being served alcohol by all the above-mentioned clubs. That no restriction imposed by the government is being followed by the clubs and are openly promoting underage drinking in order to make illegal profits,” the plea states.
It adds that the only licence available to such establishments allowing them to operate 24 hours is the L-16 Licence issued under the Delhi Excise Rules.
As per the plea, the said licence enables the holder to operate their establishment round the clock and sell alcoholic beverages to customers throughout the day.
However, it alleges that a mandatory prerequisite for obtaining the L-16 Licence, which allows for 24-hour alcohol service, is that the establishment must be located within the premises of a 5-star hotel or a hotel of higher category.
The plea seeks that action be taken against alleged illegal operation of restaurants, clubs, bars without proper licence of L-16.
It further seeks suspension of operation of all bars and restaurants operating beyond the permissible hours under L-17 licence and also, those operating without any licence.
The plea also seeks establishment of a special monitoring team comprising officials from the Delhi Government’s Excise Department and the Delhi Police to oversee compliance and take prompt action against the alleged violators.
The matter will now be heard on August 22.
Title: MAHTAB KHAN v. GOVT. OF NCT OF DELHI & ORS