Nagpur’s burgeoning food culture is evident in the rise of restaurants and hotels, but recent reports uncover a concerning trend: many of these establishments have become hubs for illegal liquor consumption, attracting youngsters despite lacking valid permits.
Even though the law says people under 21 shouldn’t drink alcohol, many restaurants in Nagpur let them do it anyway. These places don’t have the right permission to serve alcohol. You can find these restaurants mainly along big roads like Amravati, Wardha, Kamptee, and Umred Roads, and even in central areas like Bajaj Nagar Square.
From April 2023 to March 2024, about 130 places were caught serving alcohol illegally, showing there’s a big problem with how the rules are enforced. The Excise Department says they’ll take strong action against those breaking the rules, showing how serious they are about alcohol regulations in Nagpur.
These restaurants often prioritize attracting customers for drinking sessions, operating until 2 am and even encroaching upon land belonging to Panjabrao Krishi Vidyapeeth near Bajaj Nagar Square. Despite legal restrictions, they flourish, with food prices comparable to beer bars, indicating heavy reliance on liquor sales. If illicit drinking stops, customer turnout could plummet.
In response, Nagpur police conducted undercover operations, inspired by the Pune Porsche accident case, with officers posing as customers in various pubs and lounges on a Saturday night. These covert activities, involving both male and female officers, continued until closing time, with officers mingling with patrons to gather evidence. This led to immediate action against 7-8 establishments, with more to follow, and the potential proposal of license cancellations. A detailed report of safety and licensing violations will be submitted to Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal. While the growth of restaurants and hotels initially seemed positive for Nagpur’s food scene, the rampant illegal drinking reveals a darker side. These violations underscore the need for stricter enforcement and regulatory measures to address the issue, ensuring community well-being.