Indiranagar pub fails to get OK, shuts shop

Following orders from the police, Take 5, a gastropub on 100 Feet Road in Indiranagar shut shop on Monday evening after its final performance, for failing to get an occupancy certificate (OC).

Take 5 is a popular hangout for youngsters, who come for its gigs and music performances, besides its food and beverages.

In 2005, the police had issued orders to all pubs and bars to comply with its norms to run live bands. To run live performances, the establishment has to comply with building by-laws, fire safety norms, etc. Those not following the norms were asked to shut shop.

“We are tenants. The building has not complied with the laws and we do not have an OC. But our business is being affected due to this,” said a representative from the pub.

Additional commissioner of police (East) Seemant Kumar Singh said, “We have been receiving applications from a number of commercial establishments who are playing live bands at their establishments, seeking permission to play music. But we are shutting down those flouting even one norm.”

Take 5 has put up a Facebook notification that mentions, “Finally, need to thank the government for killing the music scene and culture in Bangalore. It’s amazing that they can’t differentiate between Dance bars and Live music. And of course, I’ve got to congratulate the residents of Indiranagar. Job well done. You’ll win. Hopefully, see you down the road.”

The pub claims that the government and the residents are against playing music and are even ‘killing’ the art.

The residents have taken objection to this. Jawad Ayaz, a resident from Defence Colony said, “It is not true that the residents are against music. The police department is enforcing its orders and it is an incorrect assumption that people or the residents are against it. We are only demanding that buildings and commercial establishments follow the law. If they do not have an OC, then they are flouting norms.”

Raj Kumar Pillai, another resident said the Supreme Court order came at the right time and the police are just doing their work. “It is not right to blame the residents and we are not against music,” he said.