Bad news for nightlife lovers

The state government has ruled out any possibility of reviving live bands and dance bars in the state.

Home minister KJ George on Friday said the government would come out with clear-cut guidelines on the functioning of pubs and bars where women are employed as bar girls to ensure that no illegal activities are carried out in the guise of employing women.

George, who met stakeholders of the industry, including representatives from bars, restaurants, police officers, lawyers, a retired high court judge and media representatives to address issues concerning the city’s nightlife, announced that he would hold more such meetings soon and also consult chief minister Siddaramaiah to take appropriate decisions.

According to sources, George outrightly rejected the demand to allow live bands and dance bars to function in Bangalore. He said he would not do anything against the law, though he expressed concern that Bangalore’s young working population wants an extended night life.

The hotel and bar owners demanded extension of the nightlife deadline from the present 11pm to 12 midnight. They lamented that 3 star and 5 star hotels are allowed to function till 1.30 am, but restaurants and bars are targeted.

George is said to have told them that he would take a call on the issue after discussing it with  the chief minister.

The home minister said there would be no harassment from the police department for nightlife centres that do not indulge in unlawful activities. Clear guidelines would be issued for the functioning of pubs and lounge bars where women are employed as bartenders. The government will also consider enforcing a dress code for them.

He expressed concern at the “illegalities” and “obscenity” that are happening in the name of running discotheques, bars with female bartenders,  video parlours, and other entertainment centres. The issue of police extorting hafta from these watering holes was also discussed.