Home / Crime and Justice / Puducherry Restobar Sealed for Viral 'Unlimited Beer' Ad
Puducherry Restobar Sealed for Viral 'Unlimited Beer' Ad
14 Oct
Summary
- Resto bar and liquor shop sealed for social media liquor ads.
- Ads offered unlimited beer for ₹1,200, inspired by a Tamil film.
- Puducherry excise department enforces strict social media advertising ban.
Puducherry's excise department has taken strict action against a resto bar and a liquor shop, sealing both establishments for violating liquor advertising norms. The outlets had circulated promotional videos on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, offering what were described as gimmicky, unlimited alcohol schemes. One advertisement, humorously modelled after a scene from the Tamil film 'Singapore Saloon,' promised unlimited beer for ₹1,200.
The department received complaints that these advertisements were aimed at attracting weekend tourists and liquor enthusiasts. An inspection confirmed that both establishments had indeed flouted excise regulations, which strictly prohibit advertising liquor brands or premises via social media and influencers. Consequently, formal show-cause notices have been issued, demanding explanations for the violations.
Authorities have ordered the immediate deletion of all promotional videos and posts from social media. This crackdown highlights the Puducherry administration's enforcement of advertising rules in a Union Territory that relies significantly on excise revenue, leading to a high concentration of liquor outlets.
