Sakina Tashrifwala
Published on: 14 September 2022 at 19:18 IST
Starting tonight, no music will be played in Hyderabad’s bars after 10 o’clock. On Monday, the Telangana High Court ruled on multiple petitions against the loud noise from pubs at night and ordered music systems in bars to be turned off after 10 o’clock.
The High Court’s interim injunction forbade the use of music or any other sound between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. in Hyderabad’s pubs and bars. On Monday itself, the decree went into effect.
According to Rule (5) of the Noise Pollution Regulation and Control Rules, after 10 p.m., loudspeakers and public address systems may not be used. According to the City Police Act, loudspeakers are only permitted to be used in the city and in pubs after 10 p.m.
According to the accusations, a number of bars allegedly operated close to homes and educational facilities. The Excise Department was questioned by the High Court regarding the licencing procedures for these bars, and notices were also sent to the police commissioners in Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda.
Justice K. Lalitha directed the Excise Commissioner to file an independent report stating clearly as to whether granted liquor licences include activities of a pub or only the sale of liquor. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation is also required to submit its report on the grant of trade licences to such retail outlets and the terms and conditions of such licenses.
The Hyderabad police are preparing to step up their pub and bar inspections in response to the court ruling.
“We have already addressed the concerns about loud music coming from bars. As a result of the High Court’s directive, police officers will now be stationed to monitor compliance with the no-music regulation at the pubs and clubs, “a senior policeman stated.
In addition to the loud music, the complaints claimed that the pubs are unsafe since inebriated people frequently cause commotion across the city, particularly in residential areas.
Since the High Court injunction was issued, the pub managers have not answered.
The Excise Department had earlier this month issued an order prohibiting music and DJs in Hyderabad bars after 10 o’clock. The department issued a warning to the bars that breaking the rule would result in severe punishment, including a 10-day interim closure or licence cancellation. The business leaders had publicly protested and challenged the decree.
The judge posted the matter to September 26.