Pune: State Excise Department Shuts Down 32 Clubs In Major Crackdown. Complete List Here.

Pune, 23 May 2024: The Pune Excise Department has sealed 32 clubs over the past two days in a significant enforcement operation. This sweeping action included the shutdown of 27 clubs last night alone. Club owners, feeling targeted, have voiced their frustration alleging that they are being penalized for minor infractions despite previous compliance efforts.

“Until last week, everything was normal as we regularly appeased officials from the excise department, municipal corporation, and police with cash, liquor, and other favors. Following the unfortunate incident in Kalyani Nagar, they are now targeting us, enforcing various rules and regulations,” said one disgruntled club owner.

Officials from the Pune Excise Department confirmed that additional actions are being taken against clubs and restaurants today. The crackdown began on Tuesday night when State Excise Department officials launched an inspection drive, resulting in numerous cases being filed across various locations.

The number of establishments selling liquor has significantly increased in areas such as Viman Nagar, Kalyani Nagar, Koregaon Park, Kharadi, Baner, Pimpri, Chinchwad, Bhosari, Chakan, Hinjawadi, Talegaon, Dehuroad, and Bavdhan. Additionally, many highway dhabas and city hotels have reportedly been selling liquor without the requisite licenses from the State Excise Department, a lapse that had been overlooked until now.

14 flying squads were simultaneously taking action across the city in which action was taken against 32 establishments, which includes 10 rooftops, 16 pubs and 6 bars. Suhas Diwase, collector of Pune had issued orders to completely shut down these establishments. In 2023-24, State Excise Department, Pune took action against 297 establishments under various violations, where a penalty of Rs 1, 12, 00,000 was recovered and 17 licenses were cancelled and 2 establishments were closed permanently.

From April 2024 till date action against 54 establishments have been taken and a fine of Rs 5 lakhs has been recovered and 32 establishments have been sealed.

Licenses can be procured by applying online on the exciseservices.mahaonline.gov.in. Also, if citizens find any establishment suspicious they can report about the violations on toll free number 18002339999 and WhatsApp Number 8422001133 informed the Commissioner, State Excise.