The Government of Tripura has taken strict administrative action by cancelling the bar license of Happiest Hour, a rooftop bar located at U.D. Bhawan near Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala. The license, issued in the name of Sri Goutam Debnath, CMD of Oval Engineering Pvt. Ltd., was revoked after repeated violations of the Tripura Excise Act and license conditions.
According to an official order issued by the Collector of Excise, West Tripura District, the establishment was found serving liquor beyond the permitted hours on September 6, 2025. The inquiry revealed that alcohol was served well past 11 PM, breaching Clause 8 of the license which restricts business hours between 11 AM and 11 PM.
During the investigation, bar representatives admitted to serving liquor late into the night and hosting DJ and dance programmes without mandatory police or administrative approval. CCTV footage confirmed these activities, which the Excise Department described as an attempt to introduce “night club culture” in violation of state rules.
The order also cited other violations, including serving liquor in unauthorized enclosures and failing to submit the mandatory list of employees under Clause 16 of the license conditions. Despite receiving two show-cause notices, the licensee did not submit a written response, which the department considered as an admission of guilt.
Terming the actions as “a grave breach of law and deliberate disregard of the regulatory framework,” the Excise Department invoked Section 40(1)(c) of the Tripura Excise Act, 1987. Consequently, the license issued on April 11, 2025, was cancelled with immediate effect.
The bar management has been ordered to cease all operations and hand over the original license documents, liquor stock, records, and CCTV footage to the Superintendent of Excise. Authorities have warned that any non-compliance will attract further penal action, including prosecution under the Excise Act.
This move underscores the state government’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal nightlife activities and violations of excise laws in Tripura. Officials said the step aims to ensure strict adherence to regulations and maintain law and order in the state.