CHANDIGARH: While sub-divisional magistrates (SDM) carried out a number of raids and even sealed bars for three days for serving hookah, the UT excise department has not cancelled licences of violators despite the fact that there is provision in the UT excise policy. What’s more, no action was initiated for suspending or cancelling licences of two-to-three time violators too.
“If any licencee violates any of the guidelines issued by the ministry of home affairs, state disaster management authority, UT, Chandigarh; and district magistrate, UT, Chandigarh, from time to time, then his licence may be suspended/cancelled by the collector (excise),” according to the excise policy.
The UT had banned serving and consumption of hookah in city hotels, restaurants and clubs under section 144 of CrPC to control the spread of coronavirus. In December last year.
