Archive · 25 Dec 2025
HC Allows Glenary's to Sell Liquor Until January 12
Glenary’s is a very old and famous restaurant in Darjeeling.
The government stopped it from selling alcohol because they found some problems with how the restaurant was keeping records and storing liquor.
The restaurant’s owner, Ajoy Edwards, went to court to challenge this decision.
The court said that Glenary’s can sell alcohol again until January 12, 2026, because it’s the festive season and stopping alcohol sales would spoil the fun.
The court also said that every drop of alcohol sold must be properly accounted for.
The government had said the suspension was not political, but Ajoy Edwards thinks it was.
The court did not allow live band performances at the restaurant as it was not asked for.
The Calcutta High Court allowed Glenary’s to sell liquor until January 12, 2026, following a suspension of its bar licence.
The suspension was imposed due to irregularities in accounts, storage of liquor on unauthorised premises, and deviation from approved plans.
The court ordered the de-sealing of the storage by 5 p.m. on December 24, 2025.
Glenary’s management did not press for live band performances, so the court only provided relief on liquor sales.
The court noted that stopping liquor sales would dampen the festive spirit and affect state revenue.
- Who
- Glenary’s, a 150-year-old restaurant in Darjeeling, and Ajoy Edwards, its owner
- What
- The Calcutta High Court allowed Glenary’s to sell liquor until January 12, 2026, following a suspension of its bar licence
- When
- The court order was passed on December 24, 2025, and the suspension was initially imposed on December 9, 2025
- Where
- Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
- Why
- The district excise officials suspended the bar licence due to irregularities in accounts, storage of liquor on unauthorised premises, and deviation from approved plans. The court allowed the sale of liquor to maintain the festive spirit and generate revenue for the state
- Restaurant Name
- Glenary’s
- Location
- Darjeeling
- Court Order Date
- December 24, 2025
- Liquor Sale Allowed Until
- January 12, 2026
- Reason for Suspension
- Irregularities in accounts, storage of liquor on unauthorised premises, and deviation from approved plans
- Court
- Calcutta High Court (Jalpaiguri circuit bench)
- Justice
- Justice Amrita Sinha
- Owner
- Ajoy Edwards