In a bid to bolster public safety and prevent potential fire hazards in liquor retail outlets, the Odisha Excise Commissioner has issued an urgent directive requiring all Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) “ON” shops across the state to secure valid Fire Safety Certificates.
The move comes in response to stringent provisions under the Odisha Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Rules, emphasising the risks associated with storing flammable substances in high-traffic commercial spaces.
P. Anvesha Reddy, IAS, Excise Commissioner, Odisha, has written to all Excise Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents statewide in this regard. The letter underscores the mandatory installation of fire safety measures in premises handling “flammable Spiritus items” – a reference to spirits and liquors – to safeguard consumers, workers, and property.
“Every commercial establishment handling public movement and storage of flammable items is required to install fire safety measures and obtain valid Fire Safety Certification / Fire NOC from the competent authority,” the directive states.
Under the instructions, licensees of IMFL “ON” shops – which permit on-site consumption – must immediately procure and maintain these certifications. Excise officials have been tasked with issuing necessary directions to all shops under their jurisdiction and compiling a consolidated district-wise compliance report for submission to the Directorate on a priority basis.
This directive arrives at a time when fire safety audits have gained renewed focus in Odisha, following several incidents of blazes in commercial hubs linked to improper storage of hazardous materials.
