BBMP cracks whip on illegal pubs

BENGALURU: In the backdrop of hundreds of Indiranagar residents exerting pressure on BBMP to take action against illegal rooftop bars and restaurants functioning in residential areas, BBMP Joint Commissioner (East) Dr Ashok has begun to crack the whip.

On December 16, a federation of RWAs had approached Dr Ashok as no action was been taken against the illegal commercial establishments even after individual notices were served against them by the BBMP.

Following Dr Ashok's inspection and notices being served to shut all illegal rooftop operations, many pubs and bars like Jonah's, Fatty Boa and Tippler in the area had suspended their rooftop operations while kept their restaurants open.
A resident said that just between 12th and 14th Main Indiranagar there are over 250 illegal commercial units, mainly pubs and bars operating in residential areas.

"Pubs and bars on rooftops are expressly prohibited by BBMP building bylaws as it bans any structures on buildings" said Mr Ashok Sarath, a resident.

"Apart from taking away our peace by commercialising residential areas, the ones existing in commercial buildings too are not adhering to BBMP building bylaws like reserving basement parking, having proper safety measures in place and resort to playing loud music," he complained.

However, a restaurant owner who did not wish to be named maintained that there is nothing prohibiting them from having rooftop bars and pubs.

"We have been doing business for the past four years with a valid licence and that too in a commercial building. BBMP threatening to close down our operation will affect the livelihood of hundreds of people" he said.

City Mayor Sampath Raj said that officials are doing their duty and will follow the law of the land and hinted at more such crackdown in the coming days. He further added that he will soon be calling a meeting of the residents and traders in the area as the livelihood of many is at stake.