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Hindustan Times
17 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Bars, eateries operate from revoked SCOs in Gurugram Sec 29, despite violations
Despite multiple occupation certificates (OCs) being revoked over the past two years, bars, restaurants, and retail outlets continue to operate openly from shop-cum-office (SCO) properties in Gurugram's Sector-29—exposing lapses in enforcement by the excise department, fire safety authorities, and Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB). Documents accessed by HT show that OCs for SCO Nos. 27, 28, and 53 were cancelled between 2021 and 2025 for a range of violations, including unauthorised basement use, illegal fourth-floor construction, and zoning infractions. In a January 18, 2022 order against SCO No. 28, Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) even directed disconnection of water and sewer lines and initiated proceedings to reclaim the premises. Yet, at least five bars continue to operate from these properties—some even from basements, which HSVP norms allow solely for storage. A major fast-food chain and other restaurants have also set up shop in spaces designated strictly for hotel use. 'The building codes clearly specify that basements in HSVP markets are to be used for storage only. Running bars or spas in these spaces is not just a violation—it's a safety risk,' said a senior HSVP official, speaking on condition of anonymity. What's raising eyebrows is that several of these establishments continue to hold valid liquor licences and pollution clearances. 'How is the excise department issuing fresh liquor permits when the very building's occupancy certificate has been revoked? Why is the Pollution Control Board giving operating consent for such places?' asked Rajeev Yadav, Supreme Court advocate and president of NGO Adhikaar – The Rights Path, who has filed multiple complaints to both state and central bodies. Adding to the chaos, the back lanes of the market are blocked, hawkers have overtaken the main parking area, and an animal-themed safari cart inexplicably roaming through the market, what was once envisioned as a premium leisure zone now teeters on the edge of chaos. Environmental violations are also rampant. Green belts around Leisure Valley Park—a designated buffer and public space—have been encroached upon with illegal concrete structures and boundary walls. Earlier inspections by district nodal officer RS Batth had flagged these, but no demolitions or follow-up actions have occurred, activists said. 'It's become a concrete carnival,' said Roma J Vinayak, an environmental activist. 'The unchecked commercial creep into green areas has gutted Gurugram's urban cooling systems. And for what? Basement bars?' Activist Vaishali Rana said, 'Sector-29 was once a model of planned urban space. Today, it's a chaotic maze of unauthorised constructions and blatant misuse of land. The silence of regulatory is choking Gurugram's ecological lungs.' Urban planners warn that the issue is no longer confined to Sector-29. The trend of converting office basements into nightlife hubs is spreading—especially along Golf Course Extension Road. One such property, run by a former international cricketer, operates a high-end pub in an SCO marked for office use. 'This open defiance of zoning norms by celebrity ventures sets a dangerous precedent,' said Yadav. The matter has now reached the Chief Minister's Flying Squad and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), prompting activists to demand action beyond toothless show-cause notices. Akansha Tanwar, regional officer of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), said, 'We will initiate inspections and take appropriate action against any violations.' Gulshan Kalra, deputy director (technical), Haryana Fire and Emergency Services, said the department would launch a detailed fire safety survey. 'Our mandate includes ensuring equipment is in place, but we'll also examine unauthorised activity.' Vaishali Singh, HSVP administrator, acknowledged the issue. 'The matter is under our notice. We have directed the estate officer concerned to check the premises. If violations are found, strict action will follow.'
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
‘Illegal' liquor pricing sparks outcry in Gurugram
The Gurugram excise department has launched an inquiry into allegations that liquor vends in the city are flouting pricing norms—by undercutting the minimum retail sale price (MRSP) for alcoholic beverages and overcharging bars and pubs well beyond permissible limits. Officials said any violations of MRSP norms may indicate value-added tax (VAT) evasion and raise concerns about the sale of potentially substandard or unauthorised liquor in the market. Social activists and pub owners have also alleged the existence of a parallel, unregulated pricing system. MRSP, under Haryana's excise policy, is the mandatory floor price for alcoholic beverages—below which no sales are allowed under any circumstances. Such sale not only distorts market competition but may also indicate that taxes are not being correctly levied or paid on transactions. In many cases, the violation arises when outgoing L-2 license holders—retail vend operators—attempt to offload old stock by offering steep discounts as their tenure ends. With the new excise policy year beginning on June 12, some vendors are reportedly slashing prices to avoid incurring losses when handing over inventory to new licence holders. Under the current excise policy, as well as the new policy effective from June 12, 2025 to March 31, 2027, L-2 licensees are barred from offering discounts below the MRSP. The policy also imposes a cap on how much more L-2 vends can charge bars and pubs—no more than 10% above the MRSP. However,spot checks by HT indicate blatant violations. In one case, a 750 ml bottle of VAT 69 whisky, with an MRSP of ₹1,550, was reportedly being sold for ₹1,000—and in bulk purchases, for as little as ₹700. At the same time, some bars allege they are being charged ₹220 for a 330 ml bottle of Corona beer, which has an MRSP of ₹95—over double the allowed margin. Supreme Court advocate Rajeev Yadav, who has been raising the issue with the excise department, said, 'The dual pricing strategy adopted by these vends is not only unethical but also illegal. Selling below MRSP suggests VAT evasion, while overcharging bars is profiteering. The excise department must initiate audits and take action.' Pub and bar owners also voiced frustration over the unchecked practices. 'We're being charged nearly double for a single bottle of beer. The vendors tell us to take it or leave it. There's no enforcement,' said a pub manager from Sector 29, who asked to remain anonymous. Another bar owner from Cyber Hub echoed the sentiment, alleging that complaints to the excise department have gone unanswered. 'It feels like the system is compromised,' he said. In response to the growing chorus of complaints, deputy excise and taxation commissioner (East) Amit Bhatia acknowledged the irregularities. 'We will check this activity and issue notices to the concerned L-2 licensees. Breach challans will be served, and further violations will attract stricter penalties,' he said. But questions remain about how thoroughly these rules are being enforced. Many liquor vends reportedly fail to issue receipts with the name and address of the establishment, in violation of Clause 1.7 of the excise policy, which mandates the use of an integrated Point of Sale (POS) system. Moreover, the policy's cap on individual liquor purchases—no more than 12 bottles per customer—is being routinely flouted, say consumers. The excise policy lays down strict penalties for MRSP violations. Clause 7.4 mandates the automatic suspension of the violator's licence for the day of detection and the following two days. Clause 2.13.5 allows for sealing of vends in cases of major violations. Despite this, vendors accused of undercutting prices and overcharging bars continue to operate. Amit Khurana, a private sector employee, said the pricing disparities are obvious to regular buyers. 'It's a free-for-all. You find the same bottle at wildly different prices. We've complained, but nothing changes,' he said. The practice not only disrupts fair market competition but also raises concerns about potential revenue loss for the state and questions about the quality and authenticity of discounted products. The Haryana Excise Policy for 2025-27 has introduced stricter penalties for violations, including significant fines and potential license cancellation for repeated offenses related to pricing and advertisement. However, the effectiveness of these measures is being questioned by the public given the ongoing nature of the problem. Advocate Yadav emphasised the need for accountability, stating, 'It's imperative that the excise department not only penalises the erring vends but also investigates potential collusion within its ranks. The integrity of the system is at stake.'
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Gururgam's Sec 29 pubs running on diesel gensets under HSPCB scanner
Several high-profile pubs, restaurants, and clubs in Sector 29 are operating illegally, violating a host of environmental and civic norms, despite official action from authorities. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has found multiple outlets functioning without the mandatory Consent to Operate (CTO), and many are still running on banned diesel generators despite having their electricity disconnected. According to officials, over a dozen restaurants, and pubs are in violation of the environmental norms. They added that these violations have caused them to seal six of these establishments. 'Diesel gensets are a serious pollutant, and only CNG-based backup is allowed in non-attainment cities like Gurugram. These outlets are openly flouting rules,' said an HSPCB official, requesting anonymity. Under the National Clean Air Programme, diesel gensets are barred in such zones due to their impact on air quality, officials added. Adding to the violations, several establishments are operating without occupation certificates (OC) issued by the pollution board and lack sewage treatment plants (STPs)—or have only claimed to install them on paper. According to HSPCB officials, solid and liquid waste from kitchens is being dumped in open areas including green belts, parking lots, and even stormwater drains adjacent to Leisure Valley, leading to sanitation hazards and clogged sewer say many of these establishments have been operating without an OC for at least two months. HSPCB regional officer Akansha Tanwar said the department had issued multiple notices and sealed kitchens. 'We have disconnected power in certain outlets and are planning surprise inspections. Anyone found operating illegally will face strict action under the Environmental Protection Act,' she said. 'Sector 29 has become a cesspool of unchecked dumping. You can smell the decay from the main road,' said Rajeev Yadav, a Supreme Court advocate and environmental activist. 'The administration has failed miserably. Expect boats, not cars, to enter the market once the monsoon arrives,' he added. Environmental activist Vaishali Rana echoed similar concerns. 'No pub can get CTO without an OC and an STP—yet they're all running with impunity. What example are we setting for the rest of the city?' she asked. However, pub managers claimed they were pushed into a corner. 'The electricity disconnection has crippled us. We are operating on gensets because we've had zero business for weeks,' said one manager, requesting anonymity. Another added, 'This is peak season. Give us a window to comply instead of abruptly cutting power.' Local RWAs and councillors are now demanding coordinated action. 'You can't have a lawless hospitality zone in the middle of the city,' said Anoop Singh, MCG councillor from Ward 25. 'This is a public health issue.'
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Hry tweaks excise policy to ease liquor bidding process
Gurugram: The Haryana Excise and Taxation department has amended key provisions of the Excise Policy 2025–27. The changes, which came into effect this week, aim to reduce the financial burden on bidders and make the policy more business-friendly, particularly for Gurugram East and West, where the bidding process had to be rescheduled due to the amendments made, officials said. Under the revised policy, the department has lowered the total security requirement from 15% to 11% of the licence fee. Additionally, the initial security deposit at the time of bidding has been reduced from 3% to 2%, and the percentage of the licence fee required to start lifting the allotted liquor quota has also been cut from 7% to 5%. These measures are expected to ease entry barriers for potential bidders and encourage wider competition across retail zones. Deputy excise and taxation commissioner (DETC), Gurugram West, Jitender Dudi said, 'The amendments have been introduced to create a more investor-friendly environment and enhance participation, especially from small and medium bidders who were previously constrained by high upfront deposits. We believe the new terms will strike a balance between transparency and ease of doing business.' According to the revised schedule, the e-tendering for Gurugram West will now be held on May 26 and 27, while the Gurugram East bidding will take place on May 30 and 31. The bidding window for both zones will remain open from 9:00am to 4:00pm on the respective days, with evaluations to be carried out at 5:00pm. Another crucial amendment allows 91% of the licence fee to be paid in monthly instalments, with the remaining 9% will be adjusted from the security amount in the last two months of the policy year. Excise department officials said this will significantly ease liquidity pressure on licence holders, who earlier faced stiff upfront payment requirements. The Excise department has also set up help desks in both East and West Gurugram offices to assist bidders with registration and e-tendering procedures. Updated policy details are available on the official website The policy changes have drawn positive feedback from industry stakeholders who view them as a long-needed reform in Haryana's excise system. The department reiterated that the amendments were made in public interest and to ensure efficient implementation of the new excise policy. Supreme Court advocate Rajeev Yadav, who has played an important role in the new policy, said that the excise department's connivance with tainted tax evasion bidders is evident. 'They have made ₹60 lakhs as the financial capability of a bidder whereas the average reserve price per zone in the east district of Gurugram is ₹40-45 crores. Black money has always been routed via liquor sales without bills and taxes and this will increase further. They indulge in black marketing and when caught then a small financial bidder (servant or peon) is blacklisted to be followed by a new fake bidder,' he said.
