Police sources confirmed that there are some hotels in Koregaon Park that serve liquor illegally at night. Parties, attended by students, are also organised without permission from the police.
Are some of the hotels in the upmarket locality of Koregaon Park serving liquor to their customers illegally? The state excise department recently disclosed, under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, that only 26 hotels in Koregaon Park have been given permission by the department to serve liquor on their premises.
However, police sources told DNA that in Koregaon Park area more than 60 hotels, both big and small, serve liquor to their customers. “The number of hotels in that area serving liquor is well over 26. We feel that it is more than 60,” the sources said.
As per the rules, the state excise department issues liquor permits to hotels after verifying the place where the hotel has come up. It should be situated away from educational institutes, and the permit has to be renewed every year.
A local resident, Wilson Dhanpal, had sought information on liquor permits of hotels in the area as he wanted the authorities to take action against those hotels running without licences and causing a nuisance to the local residents.
Speaking to DNA, Dhanpal alleged that there are many hotels in the Koregaon Park area alone where liquor was served till late in the night. “Youngsters, under the influence of alcohol, create a nuisance in the area. There are severe parking problems and noise pollution too in the night,” he said.
The new superintendent of state excise department, Sunil Chavan said, “We will soon get information about hotels serving liquor without valid permits. The department will not hesitate to take stern action against errant hotels.”
Chavan, who assumed charge recently, claimed that instructions have been given to the department inspectors to verify whether hotels in that area have liquor permits or not.
According to inspector of state excise, SB Patil, even the police can lodge independent cases against the hotel owners if liquor is served without permission.
Police sources confirmed that there are some hotels in Koregaon Park that serve liquor illegally at night. “Moreover, night parties are also organised in their hotels without taking permission from the police. It is a serious issue in the area,” a police official admitted, adding that students organise and attend such parties in the area.
The president of the Pune Restaurants and Hoteliers Association, Ganesh Shetty, maintained that all members of the association are functioning with all legal documents in place. “One of the pre-conditions for membership is to possess valid liquor licence. If some hotels are serving liquor without permit, I am sure they are not members of the association,” he stated.
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