Chandigarh nightlife: New disc policy confusing, claim business owners

Even as the UT administration’s notification of the policy on ‘Controlling of places of Public Amusement, 2016’ orders discotheques to be closed by midnight, an hour earlier than the previous deadline, resentment and confusion prevails among owners.

Even as the UT administration’s notification of the policy on ‘Controlling of places of Public Amusement, 2016’ orders discotheques to be closed by midnight, an hour earlier than the previous deadline, resentment and confusion prevails among owners.

“The administration has taken fee from us for issuing us a liquor licence that is under the excise and taxation department. We have now been told that under another policy, the deadline for us to close has been advanced by an hour. We are confused,” a disco owner said. (HT Photo)

Discotheque owners claim that the confusion has been caused as under a notification by the department of excise and taxation, the administration has allowed them to serve liquor till 1am.

“The administration has taken fee from us for issuing us a liquor licence that is under the excise and taxation department. We have now been told that under another policy, the deadline for us to close has been advanced by an hour. We are confused,” a disco owner said.

The trade has also been claiming that businesses would be hit as establishments remained open till the wee hours in cities like Zirakpur, SAS Nagar and Panchkula.

UT DC Ajit Balalji Joshi said, “The policy is applicable for discotheques and restaurants are not covered. Discotheques and other establishments such as gaming parlours have been given 15 days to apply and provide requisite documents.”