On Sunday, the Prohibition and Excise Department enforcement ring investigators raided several pubs and bars in Hyderabad city limits. The sleuths found that these pubs were violating the norms that have been set by the department.
The focus was mainly on Jubilee Hills, Madhapur, Banjara Hills and Gachibowli area. The raids began at 10:00 P.M., and the department booked 58 cases against 30 bars and pubs in different locations. In an official release, the excise department said, “Bars/pubs across the twin cities were raided on the intervening night of 22-23 April by 40 teams with 200 staff members. We found that 30 bars were indulging in various violations such as allowing underage drinking, timing violations, display of advertisements, swapping of liquor and other related aspects.”
The release said six establishments were fined for allowing minors in bars, two for violating timings and seven for promoting promotional offers. The officials, however, refused to name these establishments. The release also said, “Samples have also been drawn to various places for further investigation. Various star hotels, watering holes, and pubs have been indulging in violations on different counts. The excise department has been educating all bar/pub managements about safety standards, sticking to rules and the necessity for maintaining hygienic conditions in the bar/pub premises.”
Over the years, the nightlife culture has been on a rise in the city. To cater to this increasing demand, the establishments are violating laws and staying open over time and come under the scanner of the excise department.
