Create awareness about ‘drunk driving’: Pune police tells bars, pubs

The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India had raised an objection to a previous order issued by Kumar last month, which directed the establishments to ensure guests who are served liquor do not drive under the influence of alcohol.

The police commissioner had issued the previous order in view of complaints regarding problems faced by citizens due to activities happening inside bars, restaurants, pubs and rooftop restaurants in violation of norms.

Owners and managers of these establishments held a meeting with the police commissioner on February 28. Based on the issues discussed in the meeting, the police commissioner issued a revised order on Monday.

The new order will be effective from March 5 to March 31, 2024, said a press release. If citizens have any queries and objections about the revised order, they can communicate it to the police on the email ID “cp.pune@nic.in.”

Meanwhile, even in the revised order, the indoor music performances at the establishments are mandated to end by 1.30am and outdoor performances and events by 10pm.

The revised order also asks all bars/permit rooms to strictly adhere to the outer time limit of 1.30am and “shut their establishments by 1.30 am.”

It also asks the establishments not to employ any “security personnel having a crime record over the last 10 years” as ‘bouncers’ except with the written permission of the concerned zonal deputy commissioner of police.

The order has asked the establishments to ensure adequate number of male and female security personnel at all times to manage their customers. “The security personnel shall not by any means indulge in any act, which may constitute an offence under the prevailing laws,” it stated.

It further mentioned that the overall responsibility to maintain the safety, security and dignity of guests including women shall rest with the owners of the establishments, in whose name the licence (for serving liquor) has been issued.