Now Section 144 Orders Bring Strict Operational Controls For Bars, Restaurants, Permit Rooms In Pune Rural Areas

Sumit Singh & Tikam Shekhawat

Pune, 7th March 2024: In an effort to regulate the operations of hospitality establishments, the Additional District Magistrate of Pune has issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973. The order, in force from today, encompasses a range of restrictions applicable to hotels, restaurants, beer bars, permit rooms, and hookah parlours across the Pune Rural District. A few days ago, Pune City Police issued a similar order under its jurisdiction.

Establishments failing to comply with these regulations will face legal consequences, including the registration of cases under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code. Superintendent of Police (Pune Rural) Pankaj Deshmukh has appealed for strict adherence to these rules by all hospitality establishment operators.

The key provisions of the prohibitory order include:

1. Closure Timings: All permit rooms, bars, and other establishments in Pune rural district must close by 12:30 am.

2. Food and Liquor Orders: No orders for food or liquor will be accepted after midnight.

3. Age Restrictions: Children under 18 years of age will not be allowed in permit rooms serving liquor. The age criteria specified by the Excise Department will be strictly followed, with no liquor served to individuals below 25 years of age.

4. Noise Pollution Control: Establishments are mandated to strictly adhere to the Noise Pollution Rules and Control Rules of 2000.

5. Concert Timings: Concerts in closed buildings will conclude by 12:30 am, while open-air concerts will cease by 10:00 pm.

6. Dancing Restrictions: No dancing will be permitted in customer seating areas to prevent disturbances and disputes.

7. CCTV Installation: Mandatory installation of CCTV cameras in establishments, covering entryways, customer seating areas, bar counters, and all customer-accessible spaces. Two DVRs must record the CCTV footage.

8. Security Personnel: Adequate male and female security personnel must be employed, and their character verification is crucial.

9. Traffic Management: Responsible for ensuring smooth traffic flow around the establishment, with customers directed to parking lots.

10. Alcohol Consumption Responsibility: The establishment’s manager/owner is responsible for the safety of all patrons, especially women and children.

11. Drunk Driving Prevention: Provisions to prevent customers who have consumed alcohol from driving within the establishment premises. The posting of notice boards stating the illegality of driving under the influence is mandatory.

12. Disturbance Management: Timely identification and management of customers causing disturbances or displaying unruly behavior. Such incidents should be recorded.

13. Customer Blacklist: Maintenance of a separate list of customers with frequent disturbances, denying them entry and maintaining a register of such individuals.

14. Smoking Designation: Designation of specific smoking areas, adhering to the Kotpa Act of 2003.

15. No Hookah/Shisha: Prohibition of offering Hookah/Shisha to customers in any establishment or public place.

16. Drug-Free Premises: Displaying notice boards stating “No Drugs Allowed/Drugs consumption is banned,” with strict checks by the police department.

17. Excise Department Regulations: Strict adherence to all rules and regulations framed by the State Excise Department.