Date:13/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/13/stories/2008081350800300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Police chief rules out allowing discos without licences

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: Police Commissioner Shankar M. Bidari on Monday said that the police would not permit functioning of discotheques without valid licence, and that they were merely implementing the order of Licencing and Controlling of Places of Public Entertainment.

He, however, said that there was no prohibition on the use of background music in bars and restaurants.

Mr. Bidari’s reaction comes in light of the opposition raised by a section of people after the police closed down 32 discotheques that were operating without valid licence.

The action was initiated after the matter was brought to the notice of the Police Commissioner during the hearing of a writ petition filed by the Live Band Owners’ Association challenging before the High Court the decision not to grant licences.

Talking to reporters here on Monday, Mr. Bidari said that the police was implementing the order issued under the provisions of Karnataka Police Act, 1963.

“We are concerned about the safety and security of people,” he said.

13 conditions

According to the order, live bands, discotheques and cabarets, have to abide by 13 conditions for obtaining licence from the Police Commissioner. One of the conditions is to conduct the shows between 10 a.m. and 11.30 p.m.

Mr. Bidari said, “We asked them (owners of discotheques) to close down if they do not have licence and they have acted accordingly. If there are any more such entertainment joints, we will be closing it down and initiate action against the jurisdictional police inspector concerned.” There is no prohibition on playing background music in bars / restaurants in low volume for the entertainment of customers, but this music should not be used for organising discotheques, he added.

The discotheques were closed following a circular issued on August 1 by Mr. Bidari who asked the Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) to take action to close down discotheques operating without licence.

He also directed the DCPs to initiate disciplinary action against the police inspectors in whose jurisdiction such discotheques were operating.