Odisha Govt Toughens Stand On Illegal Liquor Sale During New Year Celebration, Bans Temporary Licence

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of New Year, the Odisha government has taken strict measures on liquor business including ban on temporary licence for its sale across the state, said Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Friday.

Detailing on the steps by the government at a press meet in Bhubaneswar, Harichandan said tough action would be taken against any individual or facility which would serve liquor illegally during Zero Night celebration. The department has been instructed to carry out regular inspections on hotels, bars and other facilities to enforce the restrictions till the end of January, 2025, he added.

Stating that the instructions were issued after his meeting with the department officials, the minister said the enforcement on illegal liquor sale would start from Friday till January-end.

Similarly, the government regulations on the time and liquor sale during New Year celebrations would be enforced strictly. The district collectors have been directed in this regard, Harichandan said.

Earlier, the minister had warned the New Year revellers of the government rules on liquor consumption by stating that they should abide by those failing which they would face stern action. No kind of indisciplined activities after consumption of liquor would be tolerated, he had said.