Residents to protest against rooftop pub in HSR Layout

The residents of HSR Layout will hold a silent protest in a bid to preserve the serene atmosphere of the residential locality.

The protest to be held by April last week-is directed against mushrooming pubs and bars in the area, particularly an upcoming establishment in Sector 4 which the residents claim is 'illegal'.

Residents claim that 'Bottleon' a rooftop pub on the 17th cross, which is under construction, has violated the BBMP's building plan by constructing more than five floors measuring 120 feet high. The pub is also violating fire safety norms set by Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services, according to them.

"We have submitted a letter to the fire department and the BBMP authorities to look into the violations and they have assured us that they will inspect it," said G S Krishna Murthy, former president of Federation of Resident Welfare Association, HSR Layout.

He also said that the rooftop bar is being constructed very close to a place of worship, which is against the excise law. "This restaurant is situated right opposite the Kukke Subramanya Mutt, which is just 55 meters from the temple and also close to the Jnana Srishti School," said Murthy.

However, when asked about the complaints against the bar, a Bottleon staffer said,"The rooftop pub in the locality is still under construction and we will approach all the concerned agencies to obtain licenses."

The residents want the establishment to consider that there is another school- Samarthan School for the Blind- nearby, where more than 1,000 students study.

Murli B N, a resident said that the rooftop pub is set to have separate areas for live music, smoking zone, dance floor, karaoke and cocktail. The residents feel the sections planned in the pub show what kind of an establishment it will be when completed and that it is not suitable to be situated close to a place of worship.

The residents also said that they will hold a silent protest by holding placards to oppose against this rooftop pub.