Free-for-all bar licences

Anticipatory Relief | Nearly 200 hotels without star rating get licence on the ground; they will be applying for it in future

- HD Bureau

The state government is under scrutiny for its decision to renew bar licences for approximately 200 hotels lacking the mandatory star classification from the Central Government.

According to the state's liquor policy, hotels must possess at least a three-star rating to qualify for bar licences. The Excise Department discovered the absence of star status in these establishments during the verification process for licence renewals for the upcoming financial year, prior to the March 31 deadline.