Tripura’s controversial rooftop bar Happiest Hour in Agartala faces a show-cause notice for serving liquor beyond legal hours. Authorities warn of license cancellation under the Tripura Excise Act, while CM Manik Saha orders a probe into the incident.
The state government of Tripura has served a show-cause notice to the license holder of the controversial rooftop bar “Happiest Hour” in Agartala, after allegations surfaced that it was serving liquor beyond the permitted hours. The issue has sparked widespread debate across the city, leading Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha to order a formal probe into the matter.
According to the official notification, the licensee of the bar, Goutam Debnath, has been asked to provide his explanation within three days from the date of receipt of the notice. Authorities have clarified that if Debnath fails to respond within the stipulated time, an ex-parte decision will be taken as per the prevailing Act and Rules under the Tripura Excise Act, 1987.
The bar, located on the rooftop of U.D. Bhawan near Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan in central Agartala, had been functioning under License No. 97 dated April 11, 2025. The license, issued by the Collector of Excise, West Tripura District, allowed the sale of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), Foreign Made Foreign Liquor (FMFL), beer, and other intoxicants, but strictly for consumption on the licensed premises.
However, reports published in various local dailies claimed that on the night of September 6, 2025, the bar remained open well past its permitted hours and continued serving alcohol late into the night. This prompted officials to examine CCTV footage obtained from the Networking Video Recorder (NVR) of the establishment.
On scrutiny, it was established that the Happiest Hour bar was operational from 11:00 PM onwards, serving liquor past the closing time, a clear violation of the license conditions.
Breach of License Clauses
Clause 8 of the issued bar license explicitly states:
“That the prescribed business hour for the Bar shall be 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.”
By operating beyond this timeframe, the bar was found in prima facie violation of its operating terms.
Further, Clause 18 of the same license makes it clear that “infringement of any of the above conditions may subject the holder of this license to forfeiture of the license and to all or any of the penalties prescribed by law or Rule.”
Citing these provisions, the Excise Department has asked the licensee to explain why his license should not be cancelled or suspended under Section 40(1)(c) of the Tripura Excise Act, 1987, which empowers the authorities to take strict action for violations of license conditions.
CM Orders Probe
The controversy over the bar has also caught the attention of Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, who on Tuesday ordered a probe into the issue. Sources confirmed that an investigation is already underway to determine whether the violation was a one-time incident or part of a recurring pattern of misconduct.
Officials emphasized that the government is determined to ensure strict compliance with the Tripura Excise Act and will not hesitate to impose penalties or revoke licenses if businesses fail to adhere to the prescribed norms.
Wider Debate in Agartala
The Happiest Hour controversy has stirred conversations across Agartala regarding nightlife regulations and the enforcement of excise rules. While some argue that extended hours could boost tourism and nightlife in the city, others stress that strict adherence to existing rules is necessary to maintain law and order.
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The outcome of the probe and the licensee’s response to the show-cause notice will likely determine the bar’s future. For now, authorities have made it clear that any violation of excise laws will invite stringent action, setting an example for other establishments across the state.
As the clock ticks on the three-day deadline, all eyes remain on how the licensee defends his case and whether the Happiest Hour bar will face suspension, cancellation, or additional penalties.
