Police raid bar for running live band

The Ashok Nagar police raided Times Bar and Restaurant on Residency Road for running a live band. The management was booked under section 294 (sings, recites or utters any obscene song, ballad or words, in or near any public place).

The raids were a part of a drive that the city police initiated after the new government’s formation.

Police personnel who raided the bar, found skimpily clad women dancing in front of the customers. This is a blatant violation of permitted norms and guidelines.

The women performing here were initially hired as female bartenders, a senior police officer said.

As per the guidelines, female bartenders should be modestly dressed and be given identity cards. They should not be allowed to perform or indulge in any entertainment event at the pubs, the officer added.

This is not an isolated case. There are over 100 bars and restaurants that have employed female bartenders, but are forced to dance and entertain customers, the officer added. The city police have initiated a crackdown on such live bands and most of the restaurants have been sealed. The city police commissioner had earlier issued notices to the bar and restaurants to follow guidelines appropriately.