Several roadside dhabas along Assam’s Mirza-Bongara road have come under scrutiny. Local residents have accused some establishments of operating overnight and selling liquor without proper authorisation.
The allegations concern dhabas near Barkuchi at Bongara Last Gate. The area falls under the jurisdiction of Palasbari Police Station.
Residents have urged authorities to inspect the establishments. They also want officials to verify licences and permitted operating hours.
Around 10 Dhabas Along the Road
Locals said around 10 dhabas operate along the Mirza-Bongara stretch. They alleged that several remain open well into the night.
According to residents, some establishments may not follow the operating rules for roadside eateries. They have also raised concerns about activities that continue after permitted business hours.
The allegations surfaced on September 21. Residents have asked the authorities to examine the situation and verify the claims.
The allegations have not been independently verified. Officials have yet to announce the findings of any inspection.
Allegations of Illegal Liquor Sales
Residents have also alleged that some dhabas sell liquor without valid licences. Such sales would raise concerns under Assam’s excise regulations.
The Assam Excise Department lists specific operating hours for liquor establishments. Its official information states that hotels, restaurants and bars generally operate for liquor sales from 11 am to 10 pm.
The department also outlines penalties for unlawful import, manufacture, possession and sale of liquor.
The allegations against the dhabas therefore require verification by the relevant authorities. Officials would need to check licences and records before confirming any violation.
Late-Night Operations Raise Safety Concerns
Residents have linked the alleged overnight activity to public safety concerns. The Mirza-Bongara road remains a busy route with regular vehicle movement.
Locals are particularly concerned about possible drunk driving. They also fear accidents and disturbances during late-night hours.
However, these concerns do not establish that any specific dhaba has violated the law. Authorities must conduct inspections before taking action against individual establishments.
Residents Seek Official Inspections
Residents have called on several departments to investigate the matter. Their demands include inspections by the Excise Department, Palasbari Police and the district administration.
They want officials to verify each establishment’s licence. They also want authorities to check whether the dhabas follow their approved operating hours.
If inspections find violations, authorities can take action under the applicable rules. The process would also help distinguish licensed establishments from those allegedly operating without permission.
Assam Excise Rules Set Operating Hours
Assam has established specific rules for liquor sales. The state Excise Department says IMFL wholesale and retail outlets generally operate from 11 am to 10 pm.
Hotels, restaurants and bars also have prescribed hours. A separate late-closing licence can allow certain licensed premises to remain open until midnight under the Assam Excise Rules.
This means establishments cannot automatically extend liquor sales beyond permitted hours. They need the required authorisation where applicable.
The rules provide a framework for authorities to assess the allegations along the Mirza-Bongara road.
Authorities Yet to Confirm Allegations
At present, the allegations come from local residents. No official inspection report has confirmed illegal liquor sales at the establishments named in the complaints.
Authorities have also not publicly confirmed any enforcement action linked to the allegations.
An official inspection could establish whether the dhabas hold valid licences. It could also determine whether they follow the prescribed closing hours.
Until such checks take place, the allegations should remain treated as complaints rather than established violations.
Focus on Road Safety and Compliance
The issue has brought attention to the need for proper regulation of roadside businesses. Dhabas provide services to travellers and local residents along major roads.
At the same time, establishments that sell alcohol must follow excise regulations. Compliance with operating hours and licensing requirements remains important.
Residents are now seeking a formal response from the authorities. They want inspections to determine whether any establishment has breached the rules.
The situation along the Mirza-Bongara road will depend on the findings of the concerned departments. Any action will likely follow verification of licences, operating hours and other applicable requirements.
Conclusion
The allegations against dhabas along the Mirza-Bongara road have raised concerns among local residents. They claim that some establishments operate overnight and sell liquor without proper authorisation.
The claims remain unverified at this stage. Residents have asked the Excise Department, police and district administration to investigate.
An official inspection can establish the facts. It can also ensure that licensed businesses operate within the rules and that authorities address any confirmed violations.