The Chandigarh Excise and Taxation Department has issued notices to 14 nightclubs and bars for violating noise pollution norms.
These clubs are located in Sector 26 and 7, the main arteries of the city. The sectors also house the posh belt of the city.
The department took action after receiving 81 complaints from the residents of the sector against the Senior Superintendent of Police of Chandigarh.
The SSP has also withdrawn the NOC, not only to answer why the club’s license should not be revoked.
The excise department said it had received letters dated November 28 and December 6 from the Chandigarh SSP specifying the noise pollution caused by the clubs.
According to the Chandigarh SSP’s letter, the said bars and clubs were found to have repeatedly violated the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
It is mentioned how the SSP has withdrawn the NOC/Consent regarding their operating license in the said premises. In the letter, the SSP has also requested the Excise and Tax Department to take appropriate action.
The violators include M/s Kendal Hospitality (The Vault), SCO-11, Sector-7C; M/s Pristine Hospitality (De’ Ora Club), SCO No. 23, Ground Floor, Sector-26, Madhya Marg; M/s JSM SPL Restaurant LLP (Hard Rock Cafe), SCO No. 34, Ground Floor, Sector 26), Madhya Marg; M/s Rebel Hospitality (Kukuna Club), SCO No. 3A, Sector- 7C; M/s Rabditta Corporates (Black Ghoda), SCO No. 28, Ground Floor, Sector-26, Chandigarh; M/s GBS Hospitality Pvt Ltd (Bargain N Booze), SCO No. 33, Ground Floor, Rear Sector-26, Chandigarh; M/s The Timeliners (Boulevard), SCO No. 21, Sector 26, Chandigarh; M/s Sans Foods (Ministry of Bar Exchange), SCO No. 41, Sector 26, Chandigarh; and M/s Jacques Enterprises (Culture Club) SCO No. 1, Sector 26, Chandigarh.
The SSP said that not only these clubs, but the establishment/licensee also violated the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
These include M/s Urban Bosses LLP (Prankster F&B Campus), SCO No. 47, Sector 26, Chandigarh; Then M/s Red Chilly Foods Pvt. Ltd. (Qizo Club), SCO No. 43 Sector 26, Chandigarh; M/s Rock and Storm Hospitality (Bru Estate / Sante Club), SCO No. 25, Sector 26; M/s Infinity Enterprises (Wild Thyme Sector 7), SCO No. 7, Sector 7, Chandigarh; and M/s SK Hospitality (Geek Club), SCO No. 44, Sector 26, Chandigarh.
Which section allows the department to revoke a license?
According to the department, Section 36 (c) of the Punjab Excise Act, 1914 (applicable to UT, Chandigarh) confers the power to cancel or suspend licences, subject to such restrictions as may be prescribed by the State Government, to any licensing authority. , may cancel or suspend a permit or pass under this Act.
What did the department say?
The UT Department of Excise and Taxation grants licensees on approved premises under the Punjab Excise Act, 1914 (applicable to UT, Chandigarh) and these licenses are renewed on a year-to-year basis and are renewed for the time being. UT Chandigarh Excise Policy Year 2024-25 upto 31.3.2025.
The licensee obligates the licensee to comply with the Punjab Excise Act 2014 and UT, Chandigarh Excise Policy 2024-25, along with other instructions / orders made thereunder from time to time applicable in UT Chandigarh. Circulars issued by Commissioner of Excise and Taxation-cum-Finance Commissioner, UT Chandigarh and rules and conditions laid down by the Chandigarh Administration as well as other rules and regulations of the Government to include the Building Rules as well as the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 applicable to UT Chandigarh.