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DLF CyberHub runs dry after Supreme Court issues directive on sale of liquor

Many people at DLF CyberHub on Saturday were disappointed with the fact that no bar, pub or restaurant was serving alcohol.

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A restaurant’s signboard notifies customers regarding the unavailability of alcohol
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"Saturdays used to be very happening but now it is all dull here, " said Shashwat Kukreja who came for his weekend outing with friends at the famous DLF CyberHub and was not aware about the Supreme Court directive.

Many people at DLF CyberHub on Saturday were disappointed with the fact that no bar, pub or restaurant was serving alcohol.

The Supreme Court on Friday had upheld it's decision to not allow the sale of liquor within 500 meters of national and state highways. Following this, most pubs and cafeterias had displayed notices stating the non-functioning of their brewery.

"Our entire business was dependent on alcohol, we have invested so much in setting up this bar. Now all of a sudden, our service has become illegal," said Mark Maxwell, manager of The Beer Cafe which was completely vacant. Deepak Mishra, manager of Hard Rock Cafe said, "More than 80 per cent of our business depends on alcohol. People do not come here just for the food."

According to a senior official at excise and taxation department, licenses of 143 pubs and bars, including 34 in DLF CyberHub, which falls in the red zone as directed by the Supreme Court will not be renewed. DLF CyberHub, a popular weekend destination famous for its parties is meters away from National Highway 8.

"Most of the people who come here are from affluent background, many of them have their own drivers, those who don't, hire a cab when they are too drunk. How is this going to lead to road accidents?" questioned one owner.

However, there were a few who hailed the SC's decision, "We come here for the bakery and coffee. It's a great space and looking at the number of drunken driving accidents, it is smart move," said Mayank Agarwal, a frequent visitor.

Aruna Singh, Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner (DETC) East Gurugram said, "We have formed teams and they have been given directions on how to go about the entire procedure of implementing the SC order. Our teams are checking every possible spot near highways where liquor is sold."

Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram, Hardeep Singh, will be forming a committee which will include officials from National Highway Authority of India, Excise and Taxation department and other members to ensure the compliance of the orders of the Supreme Court.

Many of the thekas (small liquor shops) at Sohna-Alwar road and Faridabad road were also closed on Staurday amidst heavy checking by the excise department.

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