Pune Commissioner to bars, pubs: Wrap up by 1.30 am or face stringent action

The order stated that it is being issued in the backdrop of several incidents affecting public peace and order in and around bars, permit rooms and restaurants, owners of such establishments not exercising due diligence to prevent such incidents, owners of some establishments blatantly violating mandated rules and regulations and some customers indulging in disorderly behaviour. The order will remain in force till March 4, subsequent to which a fresh order will be issued after taking into consideration objections and suggestions from citizens.

Addressing a press conference earlier in the day on Monday, Kumar said, “Some of these directions are already covered under existing rules and norms, but this order will bring uniformity. Under this order, the time limit of 1.30 am will be sacrosanct and any violation will attract stringent action. The rooftop establishments will not be permitted to serve alcohol if they do not have the specific licence for it. The excise licence permit norms about serving alcohol, including age limit, etc will have to be strictly enforced. A 15 day prior intimation about foreign nationals performing live at these establishments will be made mandatory. Ticketed performances will require prior permission from the police commissioner’s office. CCTV cameras will be made mandatory at entry, exit and serving areas and will have to have two sets of Digital Video Recorders.”

According to the order issued on Monday evening, the indoor music performances have to end by 1.30am and outdoor performances and events will have to be wrapped up by 10pm.

Kumar added, “The bouncers employed at these establishments must not have any criminal record in the past 10 years. If those with a criminal record are to be employed, they will need permission from the zonal DCP. Establishments have to employ both male and female security staff. Establishments will be mandated to employ adequate staff for traffic management outside the establishments.”

Talking about smoking and hookah, the commissioner of police said, “Smoking and use of vaping devices will be permitted only in demarcated areas and not the entire premises. Sale and consumption of hookah and shisha is completely banned. These specific prohibitory orders will be in force for 15 days, during which people and concerned stakeholders can also submit their objections and suggestions. Subsequent to that, further orders will be issued.”

Other guidelines mentioned in the order pertain to traffic regulation, prevention of drunken driving, assessment and eviction of unruly individuals and banning entry of disruptive customers.

The directive emphasizes compliance with existing excise permit conditions, reporting incidents to the police, and warns of criminal culpability for violations under IPC Section 188 and other relevant laws.

Section 144 of the CrPC empowers district magistrates and officials with magisterial powers to issue prohibitory orders ,in cases of possible nuisance or danger to law and order.