Liquor service suspended at Chandigarh Clubs

The UT Excise and Taxation Department has directed five prominent clubs in Chandigarh to suspend liquor service until their licences are renewed. Each year, bar licences need to be renewed in line with the Excise Policy, typically on April 1.

Licence renewal hold-up

Licences for Chandigarh Club, Chandigarh Golf Club, CGA Golf Range, Lake Club at Sukhna Lake, and Central Club in Sector 9 have not been renewed.Officials from these clubs have responded to the directive. An official from Chandigarh Golf Club stated they had not received formal orders and denied any reported discrepancies. Similarly, an official from CGA Golf Range mentioned that while they were following a verbal request to halt liquor service, there were no actual shortcomings identified.

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Membership and significance

Chandigarh Club, with around 8,000 members, and Chandigarh Golf Club and CGA Golf Range, with memberships of about 4,000 and 1,500 respectively, are well-known establishments. The Lake Club falls under the UT Sports Department's management, and Central Club in Sector 9 serves as a leisure hub for senior citizens.

The Excise Department's decision stems from discrepancies noticed during a March 27 inspection. Until these discrepancies are addressed, the clubs have been instructed not to serve liquor. Once rectified, licence renewal will be considered. This move has prompted mixed responses from the clubs, with some denying any issues while complying with the temporary halt in liquor service.

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