By Firstdespatch Desk Sep 16, 2025
Agartala, Sept 16 (FD) In a decisive action, the District Magistrate (DM) of West Tripura, Dr. Vishal Kumar, IAS, has cancelled the licence of the recently opened rooftop bar “Happiest Hour,” located at U.D. Bhawan near Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala. The order, issued on Tuesday, cited multiple violations of the Tripura Excise Act and licence conditions, declaring the cancellation effective immediately.
The bar, run by licensee Goutam Debnath, was found serving liquor beyond the permitted hours on September 6, 2025. As per state norms, bars are allowed to operate only between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. However, CCTV footage confirmed that liquor was served past midnight during a DJ-cum-dance event, organised without approval from police or competent authorities. Officials noted that the activities resembled a “night club culture,” which is prohibited under the licence.
Investigations also revealed that liquor was served in unauthorised enclosures, violating Clause 5 of operational guidelines, and that the licensee failed to submit the mandatory employee list under Clause 16. Despite show-cause notices issued on September 10 and 12, Debnath failed to respond, which the administration treated as an admission of guilt.
Invoking Clause 18 of the licence agreement, the DM cancelled Licence No. 97 dated April 11, 2025. Debnath has been directed to surrender the original licence, liquor stocks, business records, and CCTV footage to the Superintendent of Excise. The order further warned that non-compliance would invite penal action, including prosecution under the Tripura Excise Act, 1987.
The rooftop bar had drawn widespread controversy from its inception. U.D. Bhawan, where it was located, once belonged to a chit fund company that collapsed after a SEBI crackdown, leaving depositors defrauded of nearly ₹14,000 crore. The court had later ordered the building to be used exclusively for government offices, making the bar’s presence all the more contentious.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha had earlier directed a probe following complaints that the establishment was being promoted as a nightclub. With Tuesday’s order, the state government has effectively closed a chapter that had sparked protests, opposition criticism, and public outrage. FD JK