Noida allows bars, pubs at IT parks

The decision was taken because IT parks and MNCs demanded this facility, as their clients and employees need such recreational facility, said Mohamad Ishtiyaq, chief architect and town planner of the Noida authority

The Noida authority on Tuesday permitted bars and pubs to operate at information technology enabled services (ITES) plots in the city. However, only those IT parks measuring 20,000sqm or more will be allowed to do so.

An IT park sector 125/126 in Noida on Tuesday. Only those IT parks measuring 20,000 square metres or more will be allowed to host bars. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

“We have taken this decision because IT parks and multi-national corporations demanded this facility, as their clients and employees need such recreational facility inside the campus,” said Mohamad Ishtiyaq, chief architect and town planner of the Noida authority.

Until now, the Noida authority only permitted 19 activities at ITES plots measuring 20,000sqm or more, such as restaurant, crèche, automated teller machine (ATM), health club, eating kiosks, entertainment rooms, travel service office shops and games rooms.

“During the process of approval of bar licence, the authority will recommend the same as per the rules. We allow institutional activities for the workforce at IT units on 5% of total useable area. Now, the authority will give its approval for 19 plus bar activities,” said Ishtiyaq.

There are at least 50 IT parks in Noida, mostly in sectors 62, 125, 126, 127, 142, 145, 146, 143 and 160, in a 25km area around Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, said officials. Staff at these IT parks work round-the-clock for international clients, said officials.

Developers of IT parks welcomed the move.

“Employees at IT units can make good use of bar facility. When bars will be inside IT parks, it will save employee time and also provide a safe hangout destination inside the campus,” said a developer.