Port Blair, July 22: Grant of Excise Licenses is regulated under A&N Islands Excise Regulations, 2012, the Andaman Excise Rules, 1934 and Excise Policy Excise/bar licenses are granted subject, inter-alia, to the fulfillment of conditions as laid down in para 4.3 (b) of Excise Policy which came into force w.e.f. 01.4.2013; The building shall be a pucca one and should have clearance from the Andaman Fire Service; Plan of the premises should be approved by the Municipal Council/other authorized body; The said premises should be located more than 50 mtrs. away from any Medical Institution, Educational Institution, Religious Institution, Women’s Hostel, Orphanage and Tribal Hostel; The restaurant/bar should posses a public health certificate issued by the Directorate of Health Services and License will be issued only after hearing the claims and objections received in response to the notices/advertisement published, inviting objections from the public residing in the area.
Thus one of the important precondition for grant of Excise is that the Licensing Authority is obligated to issue a Press Release in ‘The Daily Telegrams’, ‘Dweep Samachar’ and other private newspapers as well as to upload the notice on the Administration’s website for inviting objections, if any, from general public in respect of grant of bar license at a particular premises.
The approach of the Administration regarding grant of Excise Licenses is quite conservative as is evident from the number of licenses granted over the last four years.
|
Sl. No. |
Year |
No. of Licenses Granted |
| 1. | 2014 | 01 |
| 2. | 2013 | 05 |
| 3. | 2012 | Nil |
| 4. | 2011 | 05 |
The Licensing Authorities viz. Dy. Commissioners of the respective Districts exercise due diligence for ensuring fulfillment of the requirements of Excise Law and Policy before granting Excise Licenses.
It is evident from the stated facts and figures that news titled: “City of Bars: Review of Bar Licenses Must to save these Islands” which appeared in the Andaman Express on 04.06.2014 is mischievous and does not reflect the correct position regarding grant of Excise licenses. The general public is informed accordingly.
