Cheers to Live Music: Delhi Pubs Asked Not to Play Recorded Tracks

Citing an existing rule, Delhi’s excise department says pubs will face “strong action” if they play recorded music.

The Delhi government warning the restro-bars to play live music else be prepared to face stern action.

(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Restro-bars playing recorded songs or music in their premises will attract stern action from the authority, with the Delhi government warning these establishments against it, citing existing rules, reported PTI.

As per the government’s directive stating the 2010 excise rules, restaurants serving alcohol are allowed to hold only “live singing or playing of instruments” by professionals.

The move comes after the Delhi excise department received a slew of complaints from local residents regarding "nuisance" created by several restro-bars in the city.

According to the department’s directions, Rule 53(4) of the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010, states that L-17 licensees are only allowed to host live singing/playing of instruments by professionals.

L-17 (restaurants which serve food and alcohol) are only permitted live singing and playing of instruments by professionals in their premises.

Delhi Excise Commissioner Amjad Tak to PTI.

In Delhi, there is no provision of separate licence for pubs.

The Licence-17 is issued by the Excise Department to those restaurants wanting to serve alcohol to their customers.

The teams of the Excise Department are set to visit restaurants serving alcohol and take action against those violating rules, a senior government official said.

During inspection, we ensure that all laid down rules are followed and if there is violation of any rule, the department takes strict action.

An official spoke to PTI on condition of anonymity

According to the department, it received Rs 305.85-crore excise revenue in April this year while in the same month last year, the revenue was Rs 291.01 crore.

The department has set a target of Rs 5,200 crore from excise revenue in the current financial year. In the last financial year, it collected Rs 4,551.57 crore as excise revenue.

‘Death of Common Sense’: New Rule Earns Twitterati’s Ire

Questioning the logic behind the ruling, Twitterati asked authorities to explain the rationale behind the move, adding that this is the “death of common sense” because live music could be loud too.

Another user pointed out that “sound pollution is also caused when temples, mosques and Gurudwaras blatantly exploit loudspeakers?”

However, a few users also welcomed the move saying it offers stability to those struggling in the field.

(With PTI inputs)

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