Bhubaneswar: In a significant move, the government on Friday announced that all dance bars in the state will be closed. The move deals a blow to the booming nightlife culture in Odisha.
In reply to a question during the adjournment motion of the Odisha Assembly on Friday, Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan categorically announced that all dance bars will be shut completely in Odisha. He further said no liquor shop will be allowed near educational institutions and temples.
Reiterating that the state government will come down heavily on illegal liquor networks, Harichandan said illegal liquor outlets on government properties will be razed to the ground. “The illegal liquor trade will be completely shut within a year,” he said.
He added, “We have started a drive to clean vices by removing bars and liquor off shops near schools and colleges. We will raze the illegal liquor shops that had been allowed during the previous government,” he said.
