Bhubaneswar, (Reportespen), Aug 23: Amid ongoing uproar over the Chikiti hooch tragedy, Odisha Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan announced a complete ban on dance bars across the state during Friday’s adjournment motion in the Assembly.
“Dance bars will be closed in Odisha. Illegal liquor shops operating on government properties will be demolished, and the illicit liquor trade network will be dismantled within a year,” he declared.
The Minister also revealed plans for a new excise policy aligned with ‘Odia Asmita,’ which will prohibit liquor shops near religious institutions, schools, colleges, and other educational facilities.
Responding to comments from BJD MLA Arun Sahoo, Harichandan emphasized that he views the illegal liquor trade as a challenge and is committed to addressing it. “We have initiated efforts to remove bars and liquor shops from areas near schools and colleges. We will demolish the illegal liquor establishments permitted by the previous government,” he stated.
This announcement comes shortly after women formerly employed at dance bars in Bhubaneswar approached Excise officials, requesting the resumption of permits for licensed foreign liquor shops to host dance performances. The BJP had previously accused the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government of undermining Odia culture by issuing licenses to dance bars in the city.
