The city police are waiting the State government’s approval for an order to regulate gaming, gambling, game of chances and all other public amusement.
On October 29, Mangaluru Police Commissioner R. Hithendra came out with the draft Licensing and Controlling of Public Entertainment and Public Amusement (Mangalore City) Order-2014.
This was brought out following complaints against clubs and other centres indulging in gaming, gambling and playing games of chance in the name of providing amusement.
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By this draft order issued under Section 31 of the Karnataka Police Act, the Commissioner will be empowered to issue licences for operating a discotheque, entertainment club, public club, video parlour or any other place of public amusement.
This licence will be granted after the centre complies with conditions including parking, sufficient space for entry and exit, and installation of closed circuit television cameras.
The police would also look into the criminal antecedents of the persons seeking the licence and the objections of the people in the locality will be taken while granting licence.
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The order exempts licence for Yakshagana, Bayalata (Field Drama), Bharatnatyam, folk art and music recitals.
One month has been granted to file objections and suggestions to this draft Order.
Mr. Hithendra said as many as three objections have been filed.
The common point in these objections was that there was no need for such a draft order as the Karnataka Police Act had provisions for regulation of places of public entertainment.
While defending the need of such a draft order, Mr. Hithendra said they have made a note in the draft about similar order passed by the Bengaluru Police.
The draft, the objections and their reply has now been forwarded to the State Government two weeks ago.
“We are hoping of approval in another two weeks,” Mr. Hithendra told The Hindu .