124 applications for 88 bars under GHMC limits
Officials say that the competition for bar licenses is usually much higher.
Hyderabad: The effect of the Supreme Court’s judgement on bars and wine shops is clearly reflected in the applications received by the Excise Department for the setup of new bars within Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits. The Department has received only 124 applications for 88 bars. Officials say that the competition for bar licenses is usually much higher. In the past they have received a minimum of three applications for each bar.
The low number of applications could also be a result of the non-refundable application fee of Rs 1 lakh. In the past, there were no restrictions on the areas where bars could be set up. But after the Supreme Court judgement, applicants are not sure about which areas are restricted, and they are afraid to lose Rs 1 lakh in the process.
According to representatives of the Wine Dealers’ Association, many businessmen have been hesitant to submit applications despite having expressed an interest. Source say that Excise officials have already cleared five of the applications that they have received, for the setup of new bars in Hyderabad city.