Excise department to curb illegal sell of hookah, liquor in Gurugram bars

Two days after three ahatas were raided for allegedly serving liquor and flavoured hookahs in Gurugram, excise department officials have formed teams to keep a check on operations at night.

Cracking the whip on the illegal sell of hookah in pubs and bars in Gurugram, excise department officials have formed teams to keep a check on operations at night in the city. The development comes two days after three ahatas (drinking places) were raided for allegedly serving liquor and flavoured hookahs on Saturday.

A report published in the Hindustan Times (HT) states that these teams have initiated surprise checks and taken action against restaurants, pubs and bars that serve hookahs. On Friday night, two owners of ahatas and three employees were arrested for reportedly serving hookahs and alcohol. Ahatas are places near liquor vends where one can sit and consume alcohol. They are allowed to serve snacks and food but do not have permission to sell liquor and hookahs are also banned.