District authorities are taking serious note of complaints about illegal alcohol consumption at dhabas in both urban and rural areas, where operators are violating laws. The increase in road accidents due to drunk driving at these establishments has raised concerns. To address this issue, a task force will be formed with members from the Excise Department, Police Department, Food and Drug Administration, Municipal Corporation, Tehsildar, and Block Development Officers. This task force will undertake strict actions, including filing direct criminal cases against offenders, warned District Collector Dr. Vipin Itankar.
A meeting was convened at the District Collector’s office to discuss measures against illegal dhabas and bars. Attendees included Zilla Parishad’s Chief Executive Officer Soumya Sharma, District Superintendent of Police Harsh Poddar, Deputy Commissioner of Police Nimish Goyal, Superintendent of the District Excise Department Surajkumar Ramod, and senior officials from the Police and Food and Drug Administration departments, including Joint Commissioner Jaipurkar.
Complaints regarding the operation of illegal rooftop hotels in the city were also discussed. Hotels and dhabas often require multiple departmental permits, and some continue to operate without the necessary approvals. The newly formed joint task force will be more effective in taking action against such establishments, noted Dr. Vipin Itankar. He directed that the permits held by hotel operators be thoroughly verified.
The Excise Department reported that actions had been taken against 78 dhabas in the past three months.