Nagpur: The State Excise Department has taken strict action against the Indian Gymkhana, situated in the Dhantoli area of Nagpur, by sealing its bar due to non-compliance with essential documentation required to operate a beer bar.
According to reports, the management of Indian Gymkhana failed to furnish crucial documents pertaining to registration, building plans, and other necessary paperwork mandated for the operation of their bar licence. This failure led to the termination of their licence by the Excise Department.
Gold Rate
Tuesday 04 Feb. 2025
The issue came to light when RTI activist Vivek Parkar filed an application seeking details regarding the documentation submitted by the Indian Gymkhana management for their bar licence. The RTI response revealed a glaring absence of the necessary documents. As a result, Parkar lodged a formal complaint with the Commissioner of the State Excise Department in Mumbai and the Superintendent of the Excise Department in Nagpur.
Following a hearing on Parkar’s application, the Commissioner instructed the Indian Gymkhana management to ensure compliance with the necessary documentation by February 29. However, as the deadline passed without the submission of the required paperwork, the Excise Department took decisive action and cancelled the bar licence and also sealed the bar on March 31.
The reports said that in response to queries regarding the situation, Vilas Harde, Secretary of Indian Gymkhana, explained that certain historical documents, particularly those dating back to the era of British rule when the Gymkhana was established over a century ago, were unavailable. Harde further mentioned their efforts to obtain these crucial papers. He revealed that despite reaching out to the District Collector for assistance, their efforts failed due to the official’s preoccupation with the ongoing election schedule. Harde claimed that they would secure the required documentation before April 4 to initiate the renewal process for their bar licence.
