Bangalore pubs stumped this World Cup

This ICC World Cup is twice as important as any other one for us Indians. After all, we’re one of the hosts and winning it would truly be special. While that is exciting, a kill-joy fact is that your favourite pub may not be screening the games.

DNA has learnt that many popular pubs around the Central Business District don’t have the license to screen the matches. A special permit has been created for those interested in screening the matches but, we’ve found that not many pub owners in town have come forth to obtain them from Mplex, the official distributors of this license.

We’ve learnt that a recent notification from Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) states that it is mandatory for all pubs, with a seating capacity of 50 or more, to obtain this license to legally screen cricketing events. Prataap S Wadhwa, MD, Mplex, says, “While most of the big sports bars as well as five-stars have obtained these licenses, many pubs are yet to approach us. It is a mandatory document they need to screen the World Cup.” And those violating this rule may not be able to get away.

Wadhwa reveals, “We are talking to the city police and will look at stopping illegal screenings.” While this may seem that there are few options to watch the World Cup this year, it also indicates that defaulters could face serious consequences.