Delhi High Court Allows Hauz Khas Social to Resume Liquor Service

The Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to Hauz Khas Social, a popular restaurant operated by Epiphany Hospitality, allowing it to resume serving alcohol.

The dispute arose when the Excise Department conducted an inspection at the bar and suspended liquor sales due to the absence of an Eating House License, seizing the bar's liquor stock. 

An Eating House License is a mandatory permit for establishments that serve food and beverages to the public under Delhi's Eating House Registration Regulations, 2023. 

However, the Court observed that the restaurant had held the license since 1994 and the renewal delay was due to procedural issues, not the restaurant’s fault.

Justice Sachin Datta termed the Excise Department's action as "ex-facie misconceived" and directed the Delhi Police's licensing unit to expedite the renewal process within two weeks.