Dance bar row: Not against regulations, but oppose frivolous norms, says AHAR

Adarsh Shetty, president of AHAR (Association of Hotels and Restaurants), said that they are hopeful that the government will finally start issuing licences without frivolous conditions after the Supreme Court order.

"My phone was flooded with thank you calls from bar dancers who have been jobless for the last 11 years. The government abruptly closed these bars without giving them any alternative livelihood. No one knows how much they are struggling to survive since these bars were shut," he said.

"We are not against regulations but frivolous norms can't be converted into Acts. You can't frame an Act where you leave itto the police to decide what's obscene and what's not. This will do nothing but exploit anyone who dares to open the bar," Shetty added.

As per Shetty, in the last few months, only four licences were issued. Those too were cancelled the very next day, he said.

Meanwhile, a senior government official said he can't immediately comment on the SC order. Additional secretary (home) Vijay Satbir Singh said: "We can't comment on the order until we receive a written copy. However, thegovernment has framed a new Act which will work as a regulatory framework. "