Pune, 8th January 2025: In the early hours of August 15, 2025, excise officials in Pune found 2BHK Diner & Key Club serving liquor despite Independence Day being a mandatory dry day.
The violation was detected during a late-night inspection, with officials stating that the service appeared intentional and not a result of oversight.
The State Excise Department said liquor service continued even after clear restrictions came into force. Following the detection, officials carried out a detailed inspection of the pub’s operations and licence compliance.
During verification, officers found that the mandatory FLR-3A register, which records daily liquor transactions, had allegedly not been updated for 41 days. Officials said the lapse raised concerns over possible concealment of sales and violations of liquor regulations.
Further irregularities were also noted. The pub was found to have made unauthorised changes to its internal layout and opened additional service counters without prior approval, which directly violated licence conditions.
Based on these findings, the excise department issued a show-cause notice on August 21. Officials said the reply submitted by the licence holder was unsatisfactory, leading to action under the Bombay Prohibition Act, 1949.
The FL-3 liquor licence of 2BHK Diner & Key Club was subsequently suspended. Excise officials stated that the decision was based on documented evidence and a pattern of non-compliance rather than a single violation. A senior official said strict enforcement was necessary to maintain discipline in Maharashtra’s liquor regulation system.
The pub’s owner, Dr Heramb Shelke, has opposed the action and said it would be challenged legally. He claimed the suspension was unjust and alleged selective enforcement.
Excise officials rejected the allegation, maintaining that the action was lawful, evidence-based, and part of routine enforcement. The case adds to Pune’s growing list of disputes between nightlife establishments and regulatory authorities.
