Bhubaneswar: A joint inquiry by superintendent of Excise, state flying squad and superintendent of Excise, Bhubaneswar, is underway into the operations of a rooftop restaurant-cum-hookah bar in Bhubaneswar’s Satya Vihar area that was completely destroyed by fire on Friday.
The probe comes in the wake of earlier suspicions about the establishment running an unauthorised liquor bar.
According to an official statement, an excise team conducted a raid on the restaurant about a month ago on complaints that the restaurant was running an illegal liquor bar. “During the search no liquor was found and no proof of illegal liquor bar could be established. The restaurant showed permission issued by BMC to run till 4 Am as it was located on the NH 16,” the Excise department said on Saturday.
“A joint inquiry is being conducted by the Superintendent of Excise, State Flying Squad and Superintendent of Excise Bhubaneswar to probe into the activities inside the restaurant,” it added.
It further noted that raids in recent months by Bhubaneswar excise officials had found four other restaurants operating unlicensed liquor bars—one in Ghatikia, one in Bapuji Nagar, and two in Patia. “In those cases, various brands of liquor bottles were seized, the offenders were arrested, and excise cases were filed.”
All Superintendents of Excise have been instructed to conduct continuous raids on illegal liquor sale points and inspect bars, hotels, restaurants, and dhabas across the state. “They have been directed to check restaurants and cars allowing public smoking like cigarettes, Hukka or any tobacco products and book the culprits under the COTPA Act. They have also been instructed to inspect fire safety measures in all licensed-‘ON’ shops and ensure compliance,” it added.
The fire incident occurring just days after the devastating Goa nightclub mishap, which claimed at least 25 lives, exposed the dangerous state in which restaurants, bars and other public joints are operating in the capital city. Fire fighters had a tough time bringing the blaze under control as flames were allegedly fed by a substantial quantity of alcohol present inside the premises. The outcome could have been catastrophic had the mishap taken place during the business hours.
