Confusion prevailed on Brigade Road on Saturday as some pubs were forced to shut down even though they were not serving alcohol to patrons. The Excise Department officials, however, maintained that the ban was only on serving of alcohol and not for the entire establishment itself.
Owners of a few pubs alleged that officials, who had come to freeze their liquor stocks, chose to shut down the entire premises. “We checked with the officials and were told that this was not the procedure. We are now trying to get it opened again,” said Collin Timms, director of Pecos, which has three pubs at Brigade Road, M.G. Road and Indiranagar. The M.G. Road branch was shut early on Saturday, but by late evening it was back in business, albeit without alcohol.
Excise officials said: “The licences of these pubs expired at midnight. They can continue to serve non-alcoholic drinks and food. The department will only be involved if there are violations,” said Rajendra Prasad, Additional Commissioner of Excise (IML).
Dosa, tea instead of beer
With the ban on sale of liquor within 500 metres of National Highways affecting several parts of the city, M.G. Road, Brigade Road and Church Street wore a deserted look on Saturday evening. At Pecos on Brigade Road, one of the city’s most iconic pubs, regulars managed to come in and were met with signs that said beer would not be served. Many chose to leave, while some stayed back for tea and dosa. At other places, visitors were advised at the entrance that only fruit punch, tea and coffee were available.
