‘Can’t name bars, liquor shops after deities, heroes’
Hindu Janajagruti Samiti calls for immediate implementation of 2019 govt order; warns of agitation; 65% outlets haven’t changed names
The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has slammed the Maharashtra government for not implementing its order of 2019, which directed owners of liquor shops and bars to change the names of their establishments if named after religious deities, national heroes, saints and historic forts. The order explained that the change was necessary to show respect to the revered figures. The order was issued after the Samiti conducted a statewide campaign on the issue.
Though the order came on June 4, 2019, the government’s reply to a Right to Information application five years later has revealed that out of 318 liquor shops and bars in Mumbai, 208 (65%) still have names of deities and national heroes.
Numerous liquor establishments in Mumbai bear names such as Shrikrishna Bar and Restaurant, Durga Restaurant and Bar, Siddhivinayak Bar and Restaurant, Hanuman Bar and Restaurant, Ganesh Beer Shop, Mahalakshmi Wines, and Sahyadri Country Bar.
Instead of enforcing the government’s order, officials from the state excise department have recommended its withdrawal, the Samiti alleged.
It has demanded that the government take strict action against the excise department officials who are supporting the bar owners instead of respecting the faith of devotees and patriots. The Samiti has warned that the change be effected immediately, failing which it will take to the streets.
The Samiti has lodged a written complaint with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM in charge of the home ministry Devendra Fadnavis, and the Excise Commissioner. Incidentally, Manisha Kayande of the Shiv Sena (Shinde), too, had voiced a similar demand.
A bar owner said, “Most of us are Hindus and we have no intention of hurting anybody’s religious sentiments. If the government is willing to set up a special cell to help us change the names within a week, we will gladly comply with the government order. At present, though, the procedure is very cumbersome.”