Joint enforcement operation targets pubs, bars ahead of New Year celebrations

In the wake of the Goa pub fire tragedy, multiple departments have launched a joint operation for the first time in the city to crack down on pubs, bars, and restaurants that are violating norms and lacking basic infrastructure.

The development comes ahead of the New Year celebrations, which is likely to draw large crowds to party venues across the city. The departments involved in the operation include the Bengaluru City Police, five city corporations, Bescom, the Fire and Emergency Services, the Health and Family Welfare Department, and the Excise Department.

This year, commercial establishments violating floor plan and trade licence norms will lose permission to conduct any parties. Establishments hosting special events such as concerts and involving public figures are strictly required to introduce a pass system. In addition, they must have a crowd management plan in place. If any establishment is found violating rules during the celebrations, permission will be revoked on the spot.

Commercial establishments and party organisers will be held accountable if any untoward incident occurs within their premises. Such organisers will be booked without leniency, a senior police officer said.

“Many establishments flout approved floor plans and install additional structures to increase floor capacity. Such minor violations can lead to disasters, which is why we have launched this early drive,” a senior police officer told The Hindu.

In a welcome move, officials will also inspect the kitchens of commercial establishments to ensure cleanliness. Establishments must also have a well-established waste disposal system in order to obtain permission.

Strict enforcement

While smaller establishments may be granted limited relaxation, major party hubs such as the Central Business District, Koramangala, Electronics City, Dr. Rajkumar Road, New BEL Road, and Indiranagar will be required to strictly comply with the norms issued by all departments.

A well-placed police source said that individual departments will focus on violations within their respective jurisdictions. The police will check security-related violations, while civic bodies will examine violations of approved floor plans and trade licences.

Similarly, the Fire Department will inspect fire safety equipment and other safety measures, Bescom will check power leakage and electrical systems, and the Excise Department will verify liquor storage.

“If any violation is detected during inspections, establishments must rectify the issue and obtain clearance to conduct parties. Failure to comply will result in denial of permission to host any kind of party,” the source noted.

Ahead of New Year’s Eve, all establishments must submit details of their party plans, DJs invited, and guest lists to the local police station. The police will conduct background checks and issue permission to party organisers.

Organisers must also ensure complete CCTV camera coverage of their premises. If CCTV systems are not in place, they have been instructed to install temporary cameras to cover the area.

The Bengaluru police have restricted hotels from allowing room parties, and occupancy in hotel rooms must be limited strictly to the number of beds available. Hotels have also been instructed not to allow private parties involving large crowds.

In addition to hotel regulations, paying guest facilities must submit details of temporary residents for the New Year period to the police before December 31. All details, including address proof, must be collected mandatorily.