Eateries in Delhi protest govt's diktat to allow only live music

The Aam Aadmi Party government's recent order banning playing of recorded music in pubs and restaurants in Delhi has many restaurateurs miffed.

While it was complaints from the residents of some of Delhi's poshest areas — about loud music played late into the night by watering holes in their neighbourhood — that prompted the Delhi government to issue guidelines asking places serving food and liquor to have only live singing or playing of musical instruments.

Officials said the government will reiterate the guidelines as per the existing rules and violation can attract strict action, including cancellation of licence of repeat offenders.

"In most cases of violation, we usually levy fine," the official added.

Late night pubs are mostly concentrated in Greater Kailash-I and II, Hauz Khas Village, Safdarjung Development Area and Khel Gaon in South Delhi.

As per Rule 53 (4) of the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010, the L-17 licensee (restaurants which serve food and alcohol) is only allowed live singing/playing of instruments by professionals.

"We received several complaints from residents who were unhappy about the loud music often played in these restaurants. So, rather than targeting any individual area, we have requested all restaurant owners to follow the guidelines," said a senior officer from the Department of Excise.

Restaurateurs, however, are "amused" at the latest directive, terming it "preposterous" and motivated by "spoilsport" residents raising apprehension about the success of the order.

Many rue that this is part of the existing long list of orders issued by the Delhi government to harass them and prevent them from running their business smoothly.

Observing that the government should address more "serious issues" at hand, Kanishk Tuteja of Nukkad Cafe in SDA said, "There are more pressing matters that need attention rather than targeting places where people go to relax. Why target only restaurants when loud music blares from speakers at wedding functions all through the year? Not all establishments can afford live music, and I wonder what difference will live music make. Will it be less nuisance?"

Shitij Malhotra of BED in GK-I admits that residents do not appreciate outlets playing any kind of music and register their protest every few days.

"Restricting restaurants to depend solely on live music or instruments will cause more nuisance. Guests visiting restaurants during weekdays or during the day prefer music at low volume, which in case of live music or live instruments becomes louder than usual. No one sees this side."

On the other hand, residents and welfare associations have taken the regulation with a pinch of salt. They claim that the problem persists as live music does not mean low volume. "Our issue is to curtail the time music is played — 10 PM should be the cut-off time. It is a misconception that live or instrumental music will bring us peace. Another concern is who will monitor the execution of the rule," said Chetan Sharma, secretary general, confederation of NCR RWAs.