The Glenary liquor licence case has become a defining moment in Darjeeling’s hospitality and governance narrative. On December 24, 2025, the Calcutta High Court (Jalpaiguri circuit bench) passed an interim order staying the suspension of Glenary’s bar licence, allowing the iconic restaurant to resume liquor sales until January 12, 2026. The ruling came just in time for Christmas and New Year celebrations, ensuring that Darjeeling’s festive spirit remained intact.
2. Background of the Suspension
- On December 9, 2025, district excise officials suspended Glenary’s bar licence for three months.
- Allegations included:
- Irregularities in accounts.
- Storage of liquor in unauthorized premises.
- Deviations from approved alcohol storage plans.
- Authorities also invoked Section 239 of the West Bengal Excise (Foreign Liquor) Rules, 1998, which regulates live music in bars, halting Glenary’s live band performances.
3. The Interim Court Order
- Justice Amrita Sinha passed the order staying the suspension.
- Directed authorities to de‑seal liquor storage by 5 p.m. on December 24.
- Allowed Glenary’s to sell liquor until January 12, 2026.
- Stressed that every ounce of liquor sold must be properly accounted for.
- Did not grant relief for live band performances, as Glenary’s management did not press for it.
4. Glenary’s Response
- Glenary’s management welcomed the order, emphasizing their compliance with rules.
- Owner Ajoy Edwards, also leader of the Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF), alleged the suspension was politically motivated.
- Edwards claimed the state government approached the division bench to block relief but failed.
- He linked the suspension to his role in building a symbolic bridge named “Gorkhaland” in Darjeeling.
5. Glenary Liquor Licence Case: Governance Challenges
The case reflects:
- Tension between political activism and business regulation.
- Need for transparency in excise enforcement.
- Fragile balance between tourism, hospitality, and state revenue.
- Judicial intervention as a corrective mechanism in governance disputes.
6. Government External Links for Assistance
- Calcutta High Court: https://calcuttahighcourt.gov.in
- West Bengal Excise Department: https://excise.wb.gov.in
- Government of West Bengal: https://wb.gov.in
- Supreme Court of India: https://main.sci.gov.in
7. Historical Context of Glenary’s
- Glenary’s is nearly 150 years old, housing a bakery, restaurant, and resto‑bar.
- It has long been a symbol of Darjeeling’s colonial heritage and modern tourism.
- Past disputes have occasionally disrupted operations, but the 2025 suspension was among the most serious.
- The case highlights how heritage institutions often become entangled in political and regulatory battles.
8. Community and Tourism Impact
- Tourists flock to Glenary’s during Christmas and New Year for its festive ambience.
- Suspension threatened to dampen Darjeeling’s holiday economy.
- Local businesses feared ripple effects on tourism revenue.
- The court’s order reassured both residents and visitors, preserving Darjeeling’s festive charm.
9. Global Comparisons
Similar hospitality disputes occur worldwide:
- France: Iconic Parisian cafés face closures over licensing disputes.
- UK: Pubs often clash with councils over live music and alcohol regulations.
- Thailand: Tourist bars face sudden closures due to political sensitivities.
Darjeeling’s case mirrors these global struggles where heritage hospitality venues become flashpoints for governance and politics.
10. Governance Lessons
The Glenary’s case teaches:
- Regulatory enforcement must be transparent and consistent.
- Judicial oversight is crucial to prevent arbitrary suspensions.
- Community heritage institutions need protection from political vendetta.
- Tourism‑driven economies require sensitive governance balancing revenue and culture.
11. Future Outlook – Hospitality Governance in Bengal
India must move towards:
- Digitized excise monitoring systems for transparency.
- Clear guidelines on live music and entertainment licensing.
- Tourism councils to mediate disputes between businesses and government.
- Heritage protection laws for iconic establishments like Glenary’s.
12. Conclusion
The Glenary’s liquor licence case is more than a festive reprieve. It reflects the intersection of heritage, politics, governance, and tourism in Darjeeling. While the High Court’s interim order restored spirits until January 12, the larger lesson is clear: heritage institutions must be safeguarded, governance must remain transparent, and festive tourism must not be held hostage to political disputes.
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