Bhubaneswar: The Excise Department sealed two bars in Odisha capital on Saturday night for allegedly employing women without the required permission.
According to sources, the action was taken following a raid while acting on a tip-off.
“The two bars—Ambiance Bar & Restaurant and Barbie Bar and Restaurant—were sealed for employing women without proper verification and permission. CCTV footage confirmed these violations, following which the bars were sealed,” informed an Excise Officer.
The state’s new excise policy prohibits dance bars but allows women aged 21 and above to be engaged in musical programmes or orchestras in licensed ‘on shops’ that sell foreign liquor and IMFL for consumption on the premises, provided they obtain prior written permission from the commissioner.