PNS/DEHRADUN
The Dehradun district magistrate Savin Bansal suspended the license of a liquor shop for 15 days following public complaints. The action was taken following complaints from local women and elderly residents during a public hearing session, where they alleged illegal operation of a bar in the basement of Opal Lounge building on Rajpur Road. Following an investigation initiated by the DM, it was discovered that an illegal bar was indeed operating in the basement of Opal Lounge. Earlier, authorities had already conducted a raid, removing all unauthorised shops from the premises.
The sub divisional magistrate submitted a report to the DM that revealed that tables were reportedly set up in the basement for drinking and a large amount of single-use plastic cups, glasses and waste were found at the site. The investigation, conducted by the SDM, Excise department and the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun, confirmed that the Liquor Hub was not only selling alcohol but also facilitating illegal drinking in nearby kiosks, using single-use plastic items and serving snacks like chips and cigarettes.
Besides this, large desks were also found in the basement, used for drinking purposes and local residents confirmed that a canteen operated there in the evening and night. The inspection further revealed that Opal Lounge houses two other licensed bars—Opal Bar & Restaurant and BYOB—which operate within legal limits with seating capacities of 80 people each. However, locals reported that the liquor shop continued to serve alcohol well past midnight, causing ongoing problems for the community, particularly for women, children and school going girls over the past three years. Stating that The Liquor Hub violated rules and failed to adhere to its license terms, the DM suspended its license for 15 days under Section 34 and Section 35 of the Uttarakhand Excise Manual.
