No Violation of Norms while granting Bar Licenses: DC

Sarthak Kanjilal & D J Venkatesh

Port Blair, Apr 17: The District Commissioner of South Andaman today said that there is no violation of norms while granting Bar Licenses in South Andaman region.

Answering to Andaman Sheekha’s question over alleged violation of norms Mr. Rupesh Kumar Thakur, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman today said the District Administration is taking all possible steps to curb corruption while granting of bar licenses and there is not violation of norms in issuing the bar licenses.

“At the time of granting the bar license rules are strictly followed. BARs should be atleast 75 mtrs away from Temple but the temple should have atleast 400 sq. mtr area and registered temple. The Temple should not be on an encroached land. Once the license is issued the position can not be changed. After issuing Bar License for once on every renewal we do not verify the facts again and again,” he said.

The DC added that as per the norms when the applicants applies for the first time two years hotel/tourism experience certificate is necessary for BAR and for above 2 star hotels there is no precondition of 2 years experience certificate.

Talking to Andaman Sheekha about stringent rules, Mr. Thakur said that more stringent rules will bring more corruption in society. “If we restrict the BARs then country liquor will start flowing in these islands,” he added.