The aim of an ahata is to prevent open drinking. The licence fee for an ahata has been set at 3% of the licence fee of the respective zone fee for that particular area, said officials. Liquor vends will be shut midnight and strict action and penalties will be levied on those found violating excise rules and regulations, said officials. “The excise policy for 2020-21 has ratified our concerns by substantially increasing the licence fee for operating an ahata and making it mandatory for them to get GST and FSSAI licences. They would not operate beyond the hours prescribed for liquor vends,” said Singh.

Source: Hindustan Times February 21, 2020 15:59 UTC