Panchkula: Lounges operate beyond fixed time, capacity; 4 held

Panchkula, July 18

Four persons were arrested after raids were conducted by a team of the Chief Minister’s flying squad at two lounges in the wee hours today for allegedly violating Covid guidelines.

Both places — Coco Cafe and Lounge in Sector 11 and Purple Frog in Sector 9 — were found to be overcrowded.

The raids lasted four-five hours. Those arrested have been identified as Gurkirtan (manager) and Ashish (cashier) of Coco Cafe and Lounge; and Prabhat Saini (owner) and Vikram (manager) of Purple Frog.

The police also seized 162 bottles of illegal liquor from Coco Cafe and Lounge.

Sidharth Dhanda, DSP CM flying squad, Ambala Range, said: “We had received a tip-off that the two places were operating beyond midnight with large crowds while the guidelines clearly state that bars and restaurants can operate till 10 pm with 50 per cent capacity,” he said.

“After a recce, the flying squad officials called in the local police teams to join them. The raids lasted until 5 am in the morning,” DSP Dhanda added.

Hookah also served

Officials said hookah was being served to customers at both places. The raiding party also collected samples of hookah flavours to ascertain their nicotine content. — TNS