With the UT administration all set to curtail an hour from the city’s night life by notifying the draft policy ‘Controlling of places of public amusement, 2016’ , the owners and the representatives of discotheques have decided to take up the issue with the senior functionaries of the administration.
The decision has been taken in wake of several incidents of lawlessness outside the discs, after which the administration was asked to frame a strict policy to curb such incidents.
As per the policy, all discotheques will be closed by 12 midnight, an hour earlier than the previous deadline.
UT administrator Kaptan Singh Solanki has cleared the draft policy, which is expected to be notified this week.
Meanwhile, the representatives of the discotheques and other establishments have said they would move the Punjab and Haryana high court against the notification. “On one hand, the administration is aiming at making Chandigarh a smart city, while on the other hand, they are curtailing the night life,” stated the representatives.
The issue has, in fact, resulted in a debate whether the discotheques should remain open till 12 midnight or 1am.
Sector-26 based Brew Estate general manager Narinder said, “The policy is void in itself as it is not gover ned by any Central Act. We will certainly go to the court once it is notified.”
{{/usCountry}}Sector-26 based Brew Estate general manager Narinder said, “The policy is void in itself as it is not gover ned by any Central Act. We will certainly go to the court once it is notified.”
{{/usCountry}}The owner of Sector 17 Buzz, Kailash, said, “The decision could give rise of incidents of drinking in vehicles or other public places, resulting in more nuisances.”
The draft policy comprises other stringent measures such as issuing identity cards, no serving of liquor to those below 25 years of age and the installation of CCTV cameras at all discs, pool games, virtual reality games, game machine parlours and bowling alleys.
The representatives claim though the administration is working towards a strict enforcement at the city discotheques, the establishments functioning in neighbouring cities like Zirakpur, SAS Nagar and Panchkula operate till wee hours.