Bhubaneswar: Several bars, pubs and nightclubs are found operating beyond the permissible time in Odisha capital and the Excise department has decided to come down heavily on those flouting the rules.
The Excise department authorities have swing into action to take the violators to task after receiving reports that many bars have been operating till early morning hours in the city.
A senior official said that several visitors to different bars are even posting visuals inside these places with timeline on social media.
Excise Commissioner Narasingha Bhola told reporters that officials of the department have been directed to take action against bars and pubs operating beyond stipulated timings.
Stating that bars are allowed extra time of up to one hour to 90 minutes during weekends, he said some places are found to be operating even beyond the extra time.
Therefore, a special drive will be launched to ensure that all the bars strictly abide by rules. As part of the crackdown, officials would conduct raids on such establishments flouting the norms and impose penalty on violators.
Licenses of bars involved in violating rules repeatedly will also be cancelled, the Excise Commissioner said.
If any government official fails to take appropriate steps against offenders, action will be taken against him/her, he added.