Hyderabad: Pubs and clubs in Hyderabad will not play music again.
And they certainly won’t have a direct show or night DJ, thanks to the verbal dictation issued by the Excise Ministry at a hasty meeting with industrial representatives on Saturday.
Reason: noise pollution and increased drug abuse in the city.
Voice pollution, one can understand considering some pubs are in the residential area.
But what should Narcotics Trade with music? Many pub owners wonder if Hyderabad will be free of drugs if their watering holes press the silent button.
Surprised by the new direction of an industrial executive said, “We have warned strict sentences – shutdown while 10 days or even license cancellation – if the rules are violated.
How can the industry survive like this? We will really appreciate if the government reconsidered this step.” Minister Excise V Srinivas Goud confirmed the new rules that were not written, but insisted it was brought mainly to curb “noise pollution”, especially in the hills of Yobile where residents have submitted a lot of complaints – even with the High Court – on the problem.
The minister, however, indicated that the rule helped capture drug abuse by “young children”.
“All these parties that occur disturb the people who live around the club and pub.
They also become a place for students and young people to enjoy different things.
These places can have some soft background music like in the restaurant , “he said.
Recurrent efforts to reach Sarfaraz Ahmad, Commissioner of the Prohibition and Excise, proved to be unsuccessful.
“Every weekend we spent Rs 3 Lakh to RS 3.5 Lakh to get artists for direct shows.
It is our USP.
If we are not permitted to hold this event, how will we meet our expenses? So many people will lose their jobs.
This step will be causing extraordinary damage to the industry which ultimately rebuilt after the locking and impact of the pandemic “said other club owners, added,” We are ready to support the government by all means to curb drug abuse, but forbid us from playing music cannot be a solution.
“Industrial members Saying that they strive to get an audience with senior senior government officials to discuss this issue further and ensure they can complete a ‘profitable’ solution for everyone.