Following the Porsche car accident case in Pune, Maharashtra, Mumbai Police initiated a probe and action against city pubs and bars. Raids were conducted at 50 locations on Sunday and Monday, with action against five bars. The crackdown continued on Tuesday, eliciting a response from pub and bar owners, who claimed financial losses due to the police's actions. They believe that legally established establishments should not be targeted by the Excise Authorities.
'We will comply with all regulations'
Recently ceased Bailer Pub owner Herambh Shelke expressed that the incident in Pune was unfortunate. From the hotel and restaurant industry's perspective, he urged the police and Excise Authorities not to act against legally established establishments. They assured, however, that all rules and regulations set by the authorities for the industry will be complied with, ensuring such incidents never recur.
60 pubs and bars face ban
In the aftermath of the Pune Porsche accident, police took action against 66 illegal pubs within a week, including 17 terraces, 20 rooftops, and 29 other pubs. The collectors ordered a direct ban on 60 of these establishments.
In the financial year 2023-24, the State Excise Department of Maharashtra recorded alcohol sales of 2,729 crores, a 22.31% increase over the previous year. Pune's Crime Branch registered 3,990 cases of illegal liquor production, storage, and sale from April 2023 to 26 May 2024.
The Excise Department, from April 2023 to 24 March, filed 308 cases against hotels selling alcohol illegally and made 541 arrests. So far, 91 suspects have been arrested in 74 hotels, with the court imposing fines totaling 1 lakh 48 thousand.
