Tripura Govt Revokes Bar License Amid Multiple Violations and Public Outcry

The Tripura government on Tuesday cancelled the license of a bar-cum-restaurant after it faced multiple violations of licensing conditions and controversies surrounding its operations. The issues began from the establishment’s very first day of public opening, with complaints about entry restrictions and the bar operating beyond permitted hours. Opposition parties criticised the government for allegedly promoting a “night club culture” in the state, raising concerns about the bar’s proximity to Rabindra Centenary Hall, a cultural hub.

In response to public outcry, Chief Minister Manik Saha ordered an investigation. Following the probe, West Tripura District Magistrate Vishal Kumar, IAS, revoked Licence No. 97 dated 11 April 2025, citing multiple breaches of the Tripura Excise Act and licensing conditions. The cancellation was made effective immediately.

The investigation revealed that the bar, owned by Goutam Debnath, served liquor beyond the allowed hours on 6 September 2025. Tripura regulations permit bars to operate only between 11 am and 11 pm. However, reports and CCTV footage showed that liquor was served past midnight and that a DJ-cum-dance event was conducted without prior permission. The bar also used unauthorized enclosures to serve alcohol, violating Clause 5 of the licence notification.

Additional violations included the failure to submit a mandatory list of employees, as required under Clause 16. Despite receiving show-cause notices on 10 and 12 September, Debnath failed to respond, which authorities interpreted as admission of guilt. The District Magistrate described these actions as serious breaches of law and deliberate disregard for regulations, invoking Clause 18 of the licence, which allows for forfeiture in case of infringement.

Consequently, all bar operations were ordered to stop immediately. Debnath is required to submit original licence documents, liquor stocks, business records, and CCTV footage to the Superintendent of Excise. Failure to comply may result in prosecution under the Tripura Excise Act, 1987.

Additionally, sources highlighted that setting up the bar in a property handed over to the state government for official use could amount to contempt of court. The building, previously owned by a chit fund company, was abandoned after SEBI’s crackdown on unregulated firms that embezzled deposits worth Rs 14,000 crore. The High Court of Tripura had allocated the property strictly for government purposes.

This case reflects serious lapses in regulatory compliance and raises questions about the enforcement of laws concerning liquor licensing and property use in Tripura. The revocation of the bar license underscores the state government’s stance on upholding legal provisions, protecting public interests, and ensuring that properties meant for official or government use are not misappropriated. It also highlights the role of public complaints, media scrutiny, and administrative vigilance in maintaining law and order.

The bar owner’s repeated failure to adhere to licensing norms and respond to official notices illustrates negligence and disregard for statutory requirements. By revoking the licence and ordering immediate cessation of operations, the authorities have taken a strong stance against illegal practices, sending a clear message to other establishments regarding adherence to licensing regulations.

The Tripura Excise Act, 1987, provisions, including Clauses 5, 16, and 18, played a central role in the decision, covering operational hours, employee registration, and penalties for violations. The case also underscores the legal consequences of operating commercial ventures in government-allocated properties, emphasizing the importance of following due process for approvals and maintaining transparency in business operations.

Overall, the cancellation of the bar-cum-restaurant license represents a decisive enforcement action against repeated violations, safeguarding public interest and upholding legal and regulatory frameworks in Tripura.