JOIN USWith the city police ordering around 30 pubs and restaurants in Indiranagar to shut down their sound equipment, a semblance of serenity is expected to prevail over the neighbourhood's otherwise bustling nightlife.
The police recently issued notifications to the establishments to stop playing live bands, recorded music, gigs and karaoke shows from Friday.
If hotels were to play music for their patrons, they should approach the police for permission, which they regularly turned down after the JD(S)-Congress coalition government took office.
From Friday onwards, the police are empowered to take criminal proceedings against the establishments that violate the rule.
Following orders from Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy to curb illegal nightlife activities, the Jeevanbhima Nagar police recently raided a pub on Indiranagar 80 Feet Road and rescued 32 women who were forced to dance for the patrons while claiming to be employed as bartenders.
The police say around 30 bars, pubs and other establishments play live music with DJs to large audiences, besides allowing live musical concerts, gigs and karaoke performances.
The Supreme Court has also passed an order, asking pubs and bars to get permission from the Bengaluru City police to run live bands, discotheques and cabaret dances.
In its January 25 order, the apex court also asked the Bengaluru police commissioner to ensure such establishments do not cause noise pollution or nuisance to nearby residents.
The commissioner, the court said, should also ensure that the establishments have complied with fire safety regulations to prevent accidents, while also instructing the top officer to frequently inspect the place.