Pune: Baner Police Arrest Bar Owner, Manager for Serving Alcohol on Dry Day

Baner, 5th May 2025: Authorities at Baner police station have taken action against a bar and restaurant at Balewadi Phata for flouting dry day regulations on May 1, which marks Maharashtra Day. The establishment, Signature Bar and Restaurant, was found serving liquor to patrons despite the state government’s ban on alcohol sales for the day.

The bar’s owner and manager were arrested on Friday for the violation and were later granted bail on Saturday. A third individual, who is suspected to have assisted in serving the liquor, is currently being traced by the police.

Senior Police Inspector Chandrashekhar Sawant of Baner police station confirmed the arrests. “During routine night patrols on May 1, our team noticed that the bar was open and operating in violation of the dry day order. When we checked the premises, we found hotel staff serving alcohol to customers. This led to immediate action, and the bar has been sealed,” he said.

According to Sawant, around 20 to 22 customers were found consuming alcohol inside the premises at the time of the raid. “Such violations are taken seriously, especially on days declared dry by the government,” he added.

A case has been registered under the Mumbai Police Act and Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to disobedience of orders issued by public servants.

Police are investigating how the establishment managed to procure and serve liquor despite the ban. “We are also searching for the third accused who allegedly supported the operation that night,” Sawant said.

This is not the first such incident in the locality. “Just a few months ago, we sealed another bar in the same area for similar misconduct. Some restaurant owners violate dry day restrictions in an attempt to boost their earnings, thinking they can go unnoticed,” a police official noted.