Ranchi: Jharkhand’s proposed new rules for the operation of hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs have remained pending for around seven months, while establishments across the state continue to operate under the existing regulatory system.
The proposed rules were intended to introduce stronger safety provisions and penalties following incidents of fights, brandishing of weapons and firing at bars in the state. However, the new framework has yet to be implemented.
On February 7, the Excise and Prohibition Department released the draft of the Jharkhand Excise Hotel, Restaurant, Bar and Club (Licensing and Operation) Rules, 2026 for stakeholders and the general public.
Suggestions and objections were invited so that the draft could be revised before being implemented. Seven months later, the proposed rules remain pending, and the existing regulations continue to govern bar operations in Jharkhand.
Proposed Fine for Entering Bars With Weapons
The draft rules proposed strict action against people carrying weapons into hotel, restaurant and bar premises.
Under the proposed provisions, a person found entering such premises with arms or weapons could face a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
The draft also proposed a penalty of Rs 10,000 for failing to produce a stock register. A similar fine of Rs 10,000 was proposed for not keeping the register updated.
The proposed rules were prepared with a focus on the safety and convenience of customers visiting bars.
Penalties Proposed for Violating Safety and Service Rules
The draft included proposed penalties for bar operators found violating operational rules.
Fines were proposed for serving alcohol in quantities below the prescribed measure, maintaining an unclean premises, playing music above the permitted sound level and smoking in designated no-smoking zones.
The proposed regulations were also intended to make rules and conditions related to serving alcohol at bars and restaurants more effective.
However, the proposed framework has not yet moved beyond the review stage.
Proposed Rules Included Extended Serving Hours
If the Jharkhand Excise Hotel, Restaurant, Bar and Club (Licensing and Operation) Rules, 2026 are implemented, establishments in different categories and areas could operate according to separate rules for serving alcohol.
The draft proposed allowing five-star hotels to serve alcohol until 4 am.
At present, hotels, restaurants and other categories of bars in the state are permitted to serve alcohol only until 12 midnight.
The proposed rules also included safety provisions that are not part of the existing regulatory framework.
Stakeholders Raised Objections Over Tax Provisions
The new rules were drafted after considering various aspects related to bar operations, safety and service conditions.
However, stakeholders had raised objections regarding tax-related provisions in the draft. The department was expected to review these concerns before taking a further decision.
The matter remains pending on several points, and the proposed new rules have not yet been implemented.
