Top cop warns bars, pubs to follow rules

Hyderabad: Hyderabad city police commissioner, C.V. Anand held a meeting with owners of pubs, bars and restaurants in the city and directed them to do business strictly following the prevailing norms laid down as per the City Police Act.

The meeting was convened following several complaints from the public about sound pollution, parking congestion, misbehaviour by drunk customers and on reports of usage of drugs.

“Due to the efforts of the state government, Hyderabad city has become an investors’ hot favourite as it fulfills all parameters of investors from abroad and other parts of India, like excellent law and order, women safety, ease of doing business and a good nightlife. So we expect you to run business in a responsible manner and uphold the reputation of the city and the state which is getting compromised by just a few of you who want to violate norms for petty gains. Please decrease inconvenience to residents,” he appealed to the owners of these establishments.

Through a PowerPoint presentation, the police commissioner kept all attendees informed about the prevailing norms laid down in the City Police Act. He instructed them not to allow under-aged persons and to restrict sound levels.

Managements were also asked to install CC cameras with 30 days backup and a dedicated team to monitor sound proofing on the premises, engage valets and to frisk staff, customers etc. Anand made it clear that stringent action would be initiated on managements who resorted to illegal activities.

“Orders received beyond 11 pm should not be accepted and that the establishment should be closed by 12 am. On Friday and Saturday, an extra one hour exception is allowed with a half an hour grace period to clean up and settle accounts. Customers can be politely notified by dimming the lights prior to 10 minutes of closing, which is a common practice in developed countries,” added the official.