In a significant relief for the iconic Glenary's restaurant in Darjeeling, the Jalpaiguri circuit bench of the Calcutta High Court has temporarily lifted the ban on the sale of liquor at its premises. The interim order, which came on Wednesday, permits the bar to operate from 5 pm that day until January 12.
Court's Festive Spirit Rationale
Justice Amrita Sinha, presiding over the single-judge bench, observed that there was no reason to dampen the festive cheer by prohibiting liquor service. The court emphasized the importance of the Christmas and New Year season for tourism in the Hills. "There is no reason why the fun and merry-making festival spirit should be dampened by the non-serving of liquor on the restaurant premises," Justice Sinha stated.
The court further noted that the suspension of the bar licence primarily affected visitors and tourists. It also highlighted that the sale of liquor contributes to state revenue generation. The bench directed the excise department to de-seal the bar's storage facility by 5 pm on Wednesday itself.
Strict Conditions and Owner's Allegations
The court has allowed the bar to operate with stringent conditions. Every ounce of liquor sold must be properly accounted for, and the accounts must be made available to authorities upon request. Glenary's must also comply with all conditions that were applicable when its bar licence was valid.
The order came after the owner, Ajoy Locas Edwards, approached the court seeking a temporary arrangement before Christmas Eve. Edwards argued that the bar had been closed for nearly three months, causing significant financial loss, especially during the peak tourist season. He alleged the closure was politically motivated, linking it to the inauguration of the community-funded 'Gorkhaland Bridge'.
"This was a case of political vendetta and selective targeting," Edwards claimed after the order. He expressed gratitude to the court for staying what he called an "unjustified" excise order.
Excise Department Compliance and Historical Context
Following the HC order, Sanjay Roy, the second officer in charge of the excise department, visited Glenary's to de-seal the storage. Roy confirmed the bar could operate until January 12 as per the interim order but reminded that licensed bars must maintain all mandatory documents and ensure proper accountability of alcohol sales.
The High Court, in its deliberations, took note of Glenary's long-standing legacy. The establishment claims to have been in operation for nearly 150 years and is a major attraction for tourists, especially from Kolkata. Justice Sinha aimed to balance equities between the bar and the authorities, ensuring the state faced no inconvenience while preventing financial loss for the historic restaurant.
With this interim relief, Glenary's is now fully operational, hoping to cater to the festive crowd that flocks to Darjeeling during the holiday season.
