Tripura Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy clarified that no night club license was issued in Agartala. The government only permitted a restaurant-cum-bar, amid controversy over location, legality, and cultural concerns. CM Manik Saha has ordered a probe into the issue.
A fresh controversy has erupted in Tripura over the opening of a night club in the capital city. Just a day after Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha ordered a probe into the matter, Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy on Thursday clarified that the state government had not issued any license to operate a night club or pub in Agartala.
The controversy began with the inauguration of an outlet named “Happiest Hour” in the heart of the city. Speculations quickly spread that the state had granted approval for a full-fledged night club, leading to sharp criticism from several quarters. However, Finance Minister Roy put the record straight, explaining that the permission granted was only for a restaurant-cum-bar, and not for a night club in its traditional sense.
Government Clarification on License Terms
Speaking in a telephonic interview with a reputed local cable television channel, Roy stated:
“The permission was obtained to run a restaurant cum bar in the premises. A proposal in this regard was placed before the District Magistrate and after necessary examination, a permission was granted. But, from the government’s end no permission was issued to start a night club in its true sense and form.”
He further emphasized that the terms and conditions of the license were clearly mentioned in the permission letter. Among these, the use of high-decibel sound systems, DJ sets, and any activity that could disturb nearby residents was strictly prohibited.
“When the Chief Minister’s attention was drawn to this issue, he ordered a probe. The report will reveal everything clearly, and action will be taken accordingly,” the Finance Minister added.
Public Opposition Over Location
The controversy surrounding Happiest Hour is not limited to licensing issues. Many city residents have voiced strong opposition over its location. The club is situated in close proximity to the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan, one of the most prominent cultural centers and auditoriums of Agartala. Locals argue that establishing a recreational facility of such nature in such a culturally significant neighborhood is inappropriate and against public sentiment.
In addition, a section of citizens has raised legal concerns. They allege that the establishment of the club violates a High Court order. The building where the outlet operates was once owned by a chit fund company. After the company shut down following a SEBI crackdown, the property remained abandoned for years. Eventually, the Tripura High Court directed that the building be used strictly for government purposes. However, critics allege that by allowing a private party to open a commercial venture resembling a night club in the same premises, the state government has violated the court’s ruling.
Excise Department Intervention
Amid growing criticism, the Excise Department has issued a show-cause notice to the club’s owner. The notice demanded an explanation as to why the outlet was operating beyond its licensed scope. Importantly, the bar license clearly stipulated operational hours between 11 AM and 11 PM, a condition that critics allege was not being adhered to.
The department’s move signals that the government is taking the matter seriously and is prepared to enforce strict compliance. The outcome of the Chief Minister’s ordered probe is now awaited to determine whether the establishment will be allowed to continue functioning or face closure.
Larger Debate on Urban Lifestyle
The controversy has also reignited a larger debate on urban lifestyle changes in Tripura. While some sections of society welcome modern recreational facilities, others argue that such establishments are out of place in a city with rich cultural traditions and sensitive social values. The issue, therefore, reflects a deeper conflict between aspirations for modernization and concerns about preserving the cultural ethos of the state.
| Also Read: Tripura’s ‘Happiest Hour’ Bar served show-cause notice over license violation |
As things stand, the government has reiterated that no night club license was issued, and the matter is under review. The Chief Minister’s intervention suggests that the final decision will hinge on the findings of the probe, which could have significant implications for the state’s policies on nightlife and urban recreation in the future.
