Pune collector advises on using webcast to keep an eye on establishments serving liquor to minors

Given the horrific Pune Porsche crash in Kalyani Nagar involving a minor, Pune District Collector Dr Suhas Diwase has suggested the State Excise Department Commissioner to use webcasting to keep an eye on establishments selling alcohol to minors and not following the prescribed time limits. Some polling booths are using the facility of webcasting for increased vigilance during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

It is worthy to note that the car crash case in Kalyani Nagar exposed violations of the law, and hence the Excise Department launched a campaign to address 32 additional locations operating illegally. As a result, the collector issued an order to take action against these establishments.

Dr Diwase stated, “During the Lok Sabha elections, approximately 50% of the polling booths are being webcasted. Similarly, can the local excise department officials use the same facility to keep an eye out on establishments selling liquor to minors and operating beyond prescribed time limits?  We had a conversation about this with the Excise Department Commissioner. It is recommended that it be tried out on a trial basis in the Pune District or somewhere else.”

On Friday, the officials of the state excise department took action against 17 establishments due to rule violations. As per sources, action will be taken against a few more establishments. The department has been ordered to re-examine all documents, including building permits and maps, even after renewing hotel licenses.