Tripura Government cancels licence of controversial Bar Club in Agartala

Amid protests from Opposition political parties and social groups, the Tripura Government has cancelled the licence for the newly opened nightclub cum Bar, which is located in proximity to a cultural hub in Agartala.

The “Happiest Hour”, owned by a wealthy business executive, however, was allowed to continue as a restaurant.

West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar on Tuesday (September 16, 2025) informed that based on the direction of the State Government, an enquiry was conducted which found certain irregularities in the rented property on top of the building which houses the Urban Development Department and service-orientated government offices. He said certain irregularities were found in the probe, resulting in the cancellation of the licence.

He said there was no permission given for organising a DJ party in the bar adjacent to the Rabindra Bhavan, which is attributed as a cultural landmark in Agartala city. The site also has “Sukanta Academy”, which is a science exhibition and research centre, a children’s park and close to three royal-era temples.

Prominent cultural forums like Tripura Sanskriti Samanoy Kendra have vehemently condemned the State Government for renting out the top floor of a building which houses the Urban Development Department and other service-orientated government centres to “Happiest Hour” – a nightclub cum bar.

Rabindra Bhavan also attains importance as it used to be the private residence of the family of India’s musical icon S.D. Burman and his illustrious son R.D. Burman.

CPI(M) State Secretary and leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chowdhury earlier commented that the time has come for people to resist attacks on “our social and cultural values”. He blamed the BJP for practising double standards in this sphere.

State Congress President Ashish Kumar Saha also called for protests against the opening of a nightclub cum bar in the cultural hub of the city. He said there should be protests against it and demanded action against those responsible for providing permission.

CPI(M) and Congress blamed the State Government for licensing around 100 liquor shops and numerous bars in the state to make revenue and raise a portion of money. They said the moves are a direct attack on the traditional cultural environment and a sinister design to corrupt social ethics.

Youth wings of the CPI(M) and Congress organised a number of protests in the vicinity of “Happiest Hour” to press demand for the closure of the bar. The government did not officially make any comment, but the revenue department, district magistrate’s office and Agartala Municipal Corporation issued notices on the bar on allegations of certain irregularities.

“Those who have received permission to run a bar are advised to follow the rules and conditions of the licence. We will take strict action wherever we find non-compliance,” District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar warned.