The district excise and taxation department in Ludhiana has issued a firm directive to all bars, hotels, and restaurants serving alcohol, mandating them to strictly refrain from serving liquor to any person below the age of 25 years. This move aims to enforce legal age restrictions more rigorously and curb underage drinking in the industrial hub.
Strict Directives from Excise Officials
According to the official orders, the department has made it clear that serving alcohol to individuals under 25 is a serious violation. The directive was communicated during a meeting convened by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sakshi Sawhney, who also holds the charge of the excise and taxation commissioner for the district. The meeting was attended by key officials including Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Harbir Singh and Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioners (AETCs) Rishipal Singh and Sanjiv Kumar.
The officials emphasized that establishments found violating this rule will face immediate suspension of their liquor license. Furthermore, the department has warned that no laxity in enforcing this rule will be tolerated, signaling a zero-tolerance approach towards underage alcohol service.
Enhanced Vigilance and Compliance Measures
In addition to the age restriction, the excise department has rolled out a series of other compliance measures for liquor vends and serving establishments. A major focus is on preventing the sale of illicit liquor. All licensed vendors have been instructed to display signboards clearly stating that the sale of illicit liquor is banned. This is part of a broader effort to increase transparency and public awareness.
Other important guidelines issued include:
- Prohibiting the sale of loose cigarettes.
- Banning the use of hookahs (hukkas) on the premises of these establishments.
- Ensuring that liquor is not served to any individual who is already intoxicated.
- Mandating that all bars and restaurants must prominently display their license and the specific conditions under which it was granted.
The department has also mandated that the details of the license holder must be visibly displayed at the point of sale or service. This measure is intended to fix accountability and make it easier for authorities and the public to identify the responsible person for any violations.
Aim for Better Regulation and Public Health
The crackdown, led by DC Sakshi Sawhney, is seen as a significant step towards better regulation of the liquor trade in Ludhiana. The primary objectives are to promote responsible service, safeguard young adults from the potential harms of early alcohol consumption, and clamp down on any illegal activities associated with liquor vends and bars.
The excise department's proactive stance underscores the administration's commitment to enforcing the law stringently. By holding license holders directly accountable and threatening their licenses for non-compliance, the authorities hope to ensure strict adherence to the rules. This initiative is expected to have a substantial impact on the operations of hospitality and retail businesses dealing in alcohol across the district.
The directive puts the onus squarely on bar owners, hotel managers, and restaurant staff to verify the age of their customers diligently before serving them alcohol. Failure to do so could now result in severe business consequences, making age verification a critical part of their service protocol.
