Citizens Empowered: Pune Police Commissioner Introduces WhatsApp Helpline For Noise Complaints, Guidelines For Nightlife Faces Regulation
Pune, 20th February 2024: In a bid to address the persistent issue of late-night disturbances caused by eateries, pubs, and other establishments, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has taken decisive action. Kumar has not only issued a stern order but has also provided a dedicated WhatsApp number, 8975953100, for citizens to report grievances related to late-night music or any other nuisances stemming from such establishments.
One of the key concerns highlighted by the police is the increasing trend of liquor shops delivering alcohol to patrons at home, a practice explicitly against established norms. Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Shailesh Balkawade emphasized, “Home delivery facilitated through the online publication of phone numbers is not permissible for liquor shops.”
Commissioner Kumar’s recent order, issued on Monday, specifically targets pubs, bars, permit rooms, restaurants, rooftop, and open eateries, instructing them to strictly adhere to the closure deadlines specified in their licenses. According to police records, the city houses over 35 pubs, discotheques, dance floors, and 1,000 permit rooms, bars, and restaurants, each subject to varying closure deadlines based on their operational nature.
For example, rooftop or open-air establishments are mandated to silence loudspeakers by 10 pm, with kitchens closing at 11 pm, allowing operation without loudspeakers until 11:30 pm. Indoor music-playing bars, pubs, discotheques, and clubs are permitted to operate until 1:30 am, followed by an additional hour for staff cleanup and other activities.
Loud music extending beyond permissible hours has been a persistent concern for residents in areas like Koregaon Park, Kalyaninagar, Mohammadwadi, and others. Commissioner Kumar, invoking Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, has asserted his authority to address urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger.
Kumar declared, “Our teams will take stern action against violations of the deadlines, especially concerning the use of loudspeakers at rooftop and open eateries.” He emphasized the importance of establishments serving their last drinks by 10:30 pm and issued a warning against any illegal activities or disturbances.
Establishments organizing special events, such as performances by DJs, are required to inform the police at least 15 days in advance. Kumar also stressed the need for establishments to communicate ticketing procedures, traffic management plans, and the deployment of bouncers, with thorough police verification to ensure public safety.
The police commissioner concluded by outlining additional requirements, including the prohibition of hookah service, the deployment of bouncers with police clearance, and the mandatory installation of two digital video recorders (DVRs) for monitoring and analysis of closing deadlines.
