Pune: Updated Section 144 Guidelines for Restaurants and Bars in Pune! In-house Music Permitted Until 1:30 AM, Prohibition on All Forms of Hookah and Sheesha; Read More

Pune City Police Commissioner Enforces Stringent Guidelines for Bars and Restaurants

Pune: Responding to public feedback, Pune City Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has issued a comprehensive order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) for bars, permit rooms, and restaurants. The order, effective from 00:01 hrs on 05/03/2024 to 24:00 hrs on 31/03/2024 unless withdrawn earlier, outlines a series of directives aimed at maintaining public peace and order in and around these establishments.

Key Directives:

Closing Time: All bars/permit rooms must adhere strictly to the closing time of 01:30 A.M., ensuring prompt closure by 01:30 A.M.

Music Performances: Indoor music performances should conclude by 01:30 A.M., while outdoor performances/events are restricted to 10:00 P.M.

Last Orders: No orders for food and liquor should be accepted after 01:15 A.M., ensuring compliance with closing time.

Grace Period: Establishments are allowed a 30-minute grace period to vacate customers/clients.

Age Restriction: No entry for children below 18 years in designated permit room areas serving liquor.

Age Criteria for Liquor Service: Adherence to mandated age criteria for serving liquor as per prevailing excise rules.

International Performers: Prior intimation 15 days in advance for performances by foreign artists with detailed documentation.

Permission for Ticketed Events: Written permission required for day-to-day ticketed events, to be obtained at least two weeks in advance.

Noise Pollution Compliance: Strict adherence to Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, with proper acoustic soundproofing.

CCTV Installation: Mandatory installation of CCTV cameras covering all key areas, with recordings maintained for 15 days.

Security Personnel Verification: Thorough character verification of security personnel (bouncers), with no employment for personnel with a crime record in the past 10 years without written permission.

Safety and Dignity Responsibility: Overall responsibility for safety, security, and dignity of guests, especially women, lies with establishment owners.

Traffic and Parking Management: Owners are responsible for regulating parking and traffic outside the premises.

Ruckus Assessment: Establishments must assess and cease liquor service to unruly individuals promptly, with video recording of the evacuation.

Persona Non Grata: Willful unruly behavior may result in individuals being declared “Persona non grata” with recorded reasons.

Smoking Regulations: Smoking only permitted in specified areas, following Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.

Hookah/Sheesha Prohibition: Prohibition of hookah/sheesha in any establishment or public place.

Rooftop Alcohol Service: Rooftop establishments must adhere to guidelines for alcohol service in open areas/terraces.

Open Air Music Compliance: Rooftop establishments must ensure open-air music complies with Noise Pollution Rules.

Drugs Awareness: Display of prominent signage stating “NO DRUGS ALLOWED/DRUG CONSUMPTION IS BANNED,” with thorough checks to prevent drug consumption.

Compliance with Excise Rules: Strict adherence to all existing rules and regulations issued by the Government regarding excise permit conditions.

Liquor Sale by Licensed Establishments: Eating houses/dhabas without a valid excise license cannot allow drinking or liquor sale.

Bottled Liquor Sale: FL-III Permit holders cannot sell bottled liquor.

Responsibility of Owners for Events: Owners are accountable for the implementation of all mentioned points, even if external agencies or managers are hired.

Incident Reporting: Immediate reporting of any incidents to the police control room call center and local police station, with dial 112 being compulsory.

Legal Consequences for Violations: Violation of this order attracts criminal culpability under Section 188 IPC, along with other relevant sections of law.

The order has been disseminated to key police officials, government authorities, and relevant departments for immediate and thorough implementation.