Agartala, Nov 3 — The High Court of Tripura on Monday set aside an order issued by the Collector of Excise cancelling the liquor license of a bar located in Agartala. A single bench headed by Justice T. Amarnath Goud declared the Collector’s order “null and void,” according to advocate Arijit Bhowmik, who represented the bar authorities.
“The Collector of Excise had, on September 16, 2025, cancelled the license permitting the bar to serve liquor. We challenged the decision before the High Court through a writ petition. After hearings on October 30 and 31, the Court delivered its judgment today, annulling the Collector’s order,” Bhowmik informed reporters.
The bar in question had sparked controversy soon after its inauguration. Its location—close to the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan, a key cultural venue hosting frequent social and political events—drew objections from several sections of the public. Additionally, the establishment operates from the top floor of a building that also houses government offices on the lower floors, raising further concerns.
The situation escalated on the opening day when chaos erupted outside the premises over the “couples-only entry” policy implemented by the management. Following public outrage, the government intervened and ordered the bar’s closure, citing violations of operational guidelines, including serving liquor beyond the permissible time limit of 11 p.m.
While the bar’s liquor service was suspended under the government’s directive, the restaurant section of the establishment continued functioning without restrictions. With the High Court’s ruling now overturning the Excise Collector’s order, the bar is expected to regain its license to serve liquor, pending further administrative procedures.
