The pub owners have decided to get together and discuss the recent developments pertaining to the Licensing and Controlling of Places of Public Entertainment (Bangalore City) Order, 2005, and protest “against the live music ban” on Sunday.
The owner of a live music club said there was confusion surrounding implementation of the order, which is why the fraternity has decided to hold the event.
The city police got a shot in the arm earlier this year after the Supreme Court upheld the order and directed the Police Commissioner to implement it.
As per the apex court ruling, licence is a must to have music (live or recorded) in all places of public entertainment, Police Commissioner T. Suneel Kumar said.
“This is not a crackdown. There is a rule that was formulated in 2005, and establishments and we have to ensure that it is implemented,” a senior police officer said.
To get the licence, establishments have to submit documents like fire safety compliance certificate, building plan, occupancy certificate and lease agreement. This is to ensure safety, senior police officials said.
Maintaining that there is no ban on music, a press statement from ‘iChange Indiranagar’, a federation of RWAs in Indiranagar, said, “Our understanding is that the majority of these establishments do not have the documentation in place for this licence to be issued. In addition, many operate in residential zones. This renders their continued existence a legal, not an ethical or moral, issue.”
