Cops: Party in jungle, not in pub

The Mulund police and sleuths from the Social Service Branch (SSB) had a piece of advice for the nine teenagers, who were nabbed for underage drinking at a pub on the first floor of Nirmal Lifestyle, Mulund yesterday: Party in a jungle or a resort, but not in pubs in Mumbai.u00a0u00a0



"We don't mind you boys drinking and enjoying in a jungle or a resort. At least you wouldn't disturb other people," said an officer.u00a0

The police also arrested staff members from the pub for serving liquor to teenagersu00a0 who did not have a liquor
permit.

An officer from Mulund police station said, "The surprise check was conducted by the excise department and the SSB. The boys have been released after their statements were recorded, and they have been issued a stringent warning."

The youngsters were released at 2 am this morning.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0

u00a0The SSB conducted a raid on the pub (Zero Degree) after they received several complaints from local residents. However R R Joshi, senior inspector, SSB said, "It was not a raid, but a regular inspection. We didn't find any drugs in the pub."

Earlier, Rakesh Maria, joint commissioner of police (Crime) hinted at taking stringent action against the pub owner under the Prohibition Act and the Shop and Establishment Act.

Meanwhile, Dharmesh Jain, owner of Nirmal Lifestyle, promised to taken action against the pub owners after conducting an inquiry. "We will terminate the lease of the pub if they are found guilty. We may not lease out shops to pubs henceforth," said Jain.u00a0