Odisha Govt Orders Closure of All Dance Bars, Tightens Regulations on Liquor Sales

Bhubaneswar: In a decisive move aimed at curbing nightlife excesses and illegal liquor trade, the Odisha government on Friday announced the complete shutdown of all dance bars in the state. The announcement was made by Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan during the adjournment motion in the Odisha Assembly, signaling a major shift in the state’s regulatory stance on nightlife and alcohol consumption.

The Minister stated that the decision to close all dance bars in Odisha is part of the government’s broader efforts to eliminate vice and ensure a safer social environment. “All dance bars in the state will be shut down completely,” said Harichandan, delivering a blow to the rapidly growing nightlife culture in Odisha.

Stricter Liquor Regulations Near Schools and Temples

In addition to the closure of dance bars, the government announced stricter regulations on liquor sales. The Minister emphasized that no liquor shops will be allowed to operate near educational institutions and temples. “We are determined to protect the sanctity of these places and ensure that liquor is not sold in their vicinity,” Harichandan stated.

The government’s crackdown on illegal liquor networks was another key focus. Harichandan vowed to dismantle illegal liquor outlets operating on government properties, stating that the illegal trade would be eradicated within a year. “Illegal liquor outlets will be razed to the ground, and we will ensure that these unlawful businesses no longer operate,” he asserted.

Government Launches Cleanup Drive

The Minister highlighted that the government has already initiated a drive to clean up vices associated with alcohol consumption by removing liquor shops and bars located near schools and colleges. This move is part of the government’s commitment to rectifying previous policy lapses and safeguarding public spaces from the negative impacts of alcohol consumption.

“We will raze the illegal liquor shops that were permitted during the previous administration, and we are determined to shut down this illegal trade within the year,” Harichandan said, reinforcing the government’s stance on tackling both the legal and illegal sale of alcohol.