BBMP vows to close unlicensed pubs in Indiranagar

 Pubs and bars operating without trade licences at  residential areas in  Indiranagar will be evicted soon.

The BBMP has directed its officials in the east zone to slap notices on commercial establishments functioning in residential areas, many of which operate openly or without name boards.

With the BBMP struggling to implement the high court direction to clear commercial activities from residential areas, its joint commissioner, east zone, Dr Ashok on Saturday met residents of Indiranagar at Mayo Hall.

He  directed Dr Siddappaji, health officer (east), and Sanamitra, medical officer of health, CV Raman Nagar, to slap notices on the illegal establishments disturbing the residents.

Dr Ashok said he would go on an inspection in Indiranagar on December 22 and will immediately close bars and pubs functioning in residential blocks without a trade licence. The joint commissioner will also see if the shops had violated the building code or fire safety norms.

"The officials assured us of immediate action against these shops," said Sneha Nandihal, president, BM Kaval Residents' Welfare Association. "They said they would inspect the area and close down shops violating excise laws and the building code."

The officials have also agreed not to issue a licence to the Playboy pub near New Horizon School, Sneha said.

Dr Ashok has also been given a list of shops that have cropped up in eight nearby wards.

"It has been a year and a half since we began talks with the BBMP commissioner, who issued a public notice to the shops to shut down. But there was no other action," said Philip DCosta, a resident of  Indiranagar.