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.

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.

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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

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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.

So banning recorded music is right because live music is soft & can be controlled...death of common sense.. what about EDM, can that be played LIVE...and what will DJs do.. jam on Delhi metro stations?? not a wise decision..not expected @AamAadmiParty @ArvindKejriwal #Delhi

— Prashant Jain (@bigtimefoodie) May 21, 2018

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

@ArvindKejriwal Sir, with all due respect, you think this is logical? Instead of making this city more happening & attractive for tourists, we are going in the opposite direction. Isn't sound pollution a problem when temples, mosques and Gurudwaras blatantly exploit loudspeakers?

— Fabulously Nebulous (@kickrunexplore) May 21, 2018

This happens only in India where babus decide what is good for us. The Excise Commissioner of Delhi actually has not heard of amps and mixers. In any event it is not his remit to choose the music. Next what? Size of the glass? Sharp comment by @madmanweb https://t.co/s1AoK9zlwA

— Kanchan Gupta (@KanchanGupta) May 21, 2018

Delhi has banned recorded music in pubs allowing only live bands to perform.

Reason: residents living in the area complained of noise.

I don't think Delhi's administration understands how live band performances really work.

— #NotAllAreTen (@_JustJoking) May 21, 2018

So noise is not ok but screaming is ?

— mukesh vig (@vigmukesh) May 21, 2018

Hope 'jagrans' shift to resto-bars since it is live music and the we can sleep peacefully. https://t.co/K8B7dGRnZX

— PatralekhaChatterjee (@patralekha2011) May 21, 2018

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

They hv not stopped loud music but recorded music. There r thousands of restro-bars r their whr recorded music is played. No one is earning 4m it. But if artists r given chance der they can earn good amt of money. It gives stability to those who r struggling to earn in dis field.

— XTU (@AbhijitDeb11) May 21, 2018

If seen from a perspective,few restrictions are good.

It paves way for a new modern culture in our society where new talent will get platform to show what they've got.

Bad news for #Delhi #restro-bars: Govt warns against playing recorded songs, music
https://t.co/A23XBNAUAo

— Sachin Badhan (@isachinbadhan) May 21, 2018

(With PTI inputs)

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