Bar licences come under police scrutiny

Liquor vending licences given to 152 pubs and resto bars across the city in FL-2 and FL-3 categories have come under fresh police scrutiny following the 18-year-old woman’s death near Koyambedu.

Yancy was targeted after a dispute that began inside a private bar spilled onto the road. Her friend, Fowsiya, 17, who was riding the two-wheeler, suffered serious injuries and is undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of Govt Kilpauk Medical College Hospital.

A day after the incident, authorities cancelled the FL-2 licence of the bar where the dispute originated. Police have begun examining whether other licensed establishments were complying with conditions prescribed under the Tamil Nadu Liquor (Licence and Permit) Rules, 1981.

While FL-2 licence holders, including clubs and non-air-conditioned bars, are permitted to operate from 11am to 11pm, FL-3 licence holders, including pubs, bars and establishments attached to hotels, are permitted to function up to midnight. FL-3A licence holders, including bars attached to tourism facilities and certain star hotels, are also allowed to operate until midnight.

While the prohibition and excise department issues the licences, police play a key role in issuing no-objection certificates and monitoring compliance with licensing conditions.

Social activists say some bars in Anna Nagar, Koyambedu, Nungambakkam, Alwarpet, and East Coast Road continue to operate beyond permitted hours.

They urged police to conduct regular inspections of bars, pubs and entertainment venues.

Police sources said the scrutiny of 152 FL-2 and FL-3 licences would focus on compliance with operational norms, safety measures and licensing conditions. Further probe into the Koyambedu murder case is underway.