Illegal bar raided after residents complain

After mid-day reported about Golden Night Garden restaurant-cum-bar in Aundh operating without a liquor licence for five years (‘Illegal bar gives Aundh residents sleepless nights', dated March 6), the state excise department raided the place on March 7 and arrested Ganesh Subbraj Bhat (45) who was running the bar. The department seized 32 liquor bottles worth Rs 5,250.

In focus: Golden Night Garden restaurant-cum-bar. File Pic

Residents of Kumar Prerana society near the bar had to put up with the noisy atmosphere and uncultured behaviour of some customers on a daily basis. After raising their voices for a long time, the authorities have finally paid heed to their woes.
Excise department's sub-inspector Ram Sengar told mid-day, "It was found that Bhat was running the bar without the requisite licence and hence he was arrested. The owner of the bar is another person who had given it to Bhat on lease."

"We have now asked for legal documents under the Shop Licences Act. We have also written letters to the police and PMC to cancel the restaurant's licence, as the licensee has cheated the excise department." Sengar said. Sangeeta Gaikwad, local corporator of the area said, "Earlier a licence was granted only to run the restaurant, however it was only recently that it started to serve liquor as well."

Local Nationalist Congress Party activist Balasaheb Ranwade said, "The bar owner has political backing due to which no action was taken against him despite several complaints."

>> The excise department seized 32 liquor bottles worth Rs 5,250
>> Residents demand an inquiry against the owner and regular inspection of the place
>> NCP activist says bar owner has political backing