Glenary’s Pub and Bar Sealed in Darjeeling: Owner Claims Political Targeting Amid Excise Violation Allegations

KalimNews, Darjeeling, December 9, 2025 : The Darjeeling Excise Department sealed the pub and bar of the iconic Glenary’s establishment on Tuesday, citing violations of the West Bengal Excise Rules. The closure of the popular pub, situated in the basement of the famed restaurant-cum-confectionery, has sparked a political storm, with the owner accusing the move of being politically motivated.

Glenary’s, a landmark in the hill station since British colonial times, is known for its historic restaurant and bakery, while the basement houses "Buzz," a modern pub that has become a local hotspot. The establishment has been an integral part of Darjeeling’s social and cultural fabric. However, the sudden closure of its bar facility ahead of the bustling Christmas season has raised eyebrows and ignited a war of words between the Excise Department and Glenary’s management.

According to Excise officials, the closure followed the discovery of violations under the West Bengal Excise Rules, specifically Rule 239, which governs temporary permissions for live band performances in bars. Deputy Excise Collector Saranya Barik confirmed the move, stating that the pub and bar had been found in breach of certain regulations, leading to a 90-day suspension of its operations. "We received an order from higher authorities, and upon inspection, irregularities were noted. The pub was found violating rule 239 of the Excise Act," Barik explained.

The contentious rule allows bars to host live performances only under a temporary licence, which can be revoked at the authorities' discretion, especially in the wake of incidents that might jeopardise public safety. The suspension comes at a critical time, just as Darjeeling braces for the influx of tourists during the Christmas festivities. The bar’s closure is seen by many as a blow to local businesses that rely on the tourist season for revenue.

Asoke Tamang, the manager of Glenary’s pub, strongly contested the allegations, stating that all necessary documentation was in order. Tamang explained that the excise authorities had particularly questioned the validity of the live band performance licence. “The excise officials arrived on Monday for a routine inspection, but later informed us that the licence for live music was not valid. We have since updated all the necessary documents,” he clarified.

Tamang also pointed out that they had submitted a request for the renewal of the live band performance permit several weeks ago, but there was no indication that the application had been processed by the Excise Department. "We filed our application for the renewal months ago, and the delay appears to have caused the issue. The documents are now in order, but the action has already been taken," he said.

However, the situation took a dramatic turn when Ajoy Edwards, the owner of Glenary’s, who is also the Chief Convenor of the Indian Gorkha Janashakti Front (IGJF), came forward with serious allegations of political conspiracy. Edwards, who was travelling at the time, accused the closure of being a retaliatory measure for his public support of the Gorkhaland cause. "This is not about rules or regulations—this is political victimisation. It is a direct consequence of the Gorkhaland Bridge project I launched earlier this week. The authorities are retaliating against my political beliefs," Edwards stated over the phone.

On December 7, Edwards had inaugurated a 140-foot concrete bridge named “Gorkhaland” across the Tungsoong river, a project that he completed with the voluntary labour of local communities. The bridge, which he named in honour of the Gorkhaland movement, was built without the help or permission of the regional district administration or the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). Edwards claimed that his actions, which were seen as a challenge to the political establishment, had provoked certain regional political factions, leading to the excise department’s intervention.

This was not the first time Edwards had undertaken a controversial infrastructure project without official approval. In 2024, he constructed a 130-foot bridge over the Chota Rangit river and a 160-foot suspension bridge with a glass skywalk, also bypassing government channels. Edwards has defended these efforts, stating that they were driven by a desire to serve the community rather than by any political agenda.

The allegations of political targeting have ignited a broader debate within Darjeeling's political and business circles. Locals have expressed concern that the excise department's actions are part of a wider campaign to suppress voices that challenge the regional political establishment, particularly those advocating for the Gorkhaland cause. Supporters of Edwards and Glenary’s have rallied behind the establishment, arguing that the closure is an unjustified and excessive response to what is primarily a regulatory issue.

With the Christmas season just around the corner, many in the community are asking why such an action was taken so close to the holiday period, when businesses are most vulnerable. The timing of the closure, coupled with the political undertones of the accusations, has led to growing calls for transparency in how the excise department applies its rules and regulations.

As Glenary’s prepares to navigate this turbulent situation, Edwards has indicated that he will seek legal recourse to challenge what he views as an unjust closure. "We will not be intimidated, and we will take every necessary step to protect our business and the rights of the people we serve," he vowed.

The issue continues to escalate, and it remains to be seen how the local authorities will respond to the growing public outcry surrounding the closure of one of Darjeeling’s most beloved establishments. The case has become a flashpoint for larger political and cultural tensions in the region, with the Gorkhaland movement and the treatment of local businesses under scrutiny.