Now, ban on live bands in Bangalore pubs
News: Times Now - Pics: Daijiworld Media Network
Bangalore, Aug 10: It is bad news for Bangaloreans as moral policing has hit down hard once again.
Bangaloreans protest as police ban live performances of bands in pubs in the city. Live music performances including karaokes have been banned in the city which has not gone down too well with the DJs and musicians in the city.
Noted writer and artiste Girish Karnad reacting strongly to the ban imposed, said, "You can listen to recorded music, and you cannot listen to live music is something which is not understandable. How can the police say that listening to music in a club and having a drink lead to crime. This has nothing to do with the live band. The attitude of the police should be questioned here."
Meanwhile, the police insist that they are just following the Karnataka Excise licence rule which does not permit gambling, get-togethers, dancing or any live band performances in places serving liquor.
In view of the ban, a protest is being held in the city against the ban which has also resulted in a loss for restaurants and pubs.
The 11.30 PM deadline which was earlier enforced in the city had resulted in a lot of hue and cry among party-goers.
After 11.30 PM, deadline followed by a ban on dancing now its live music performances have left the DJs, musicians and party animals high and dry.
After a ban on dancing, authorities have now banned live music performances in pubs, restaurants and lounge bars. The concession, if any, being the permission to play background music at low volume provided it's not used to organise a discotheque.
Jasmeet, a popular DJ in Bangalore, is one of those affected by the rule on live music performances and ban on dancing. He is slowly getting used to playing in empty clubs.
Jasmeet reacting to the lull in the business says, "We take so much time producing tracks, but there is no one to listen to it. Honestly, I want to go out of this city if this continues."
With a ban of all forms of live performances including karaokes, clubs, pubs and restaurants, the entertainment business in Bangalore is experiencing a 60% loss in their revenues.
Carlton Royle, General Manager of NYX club, says, "It has affected our business to about 60 to 70 per cent. Even today being Saturday my club is completely empty."
A Cinderella deadline and now a clampdown on music and dance partying in Bangalore is something that is not going down well with party animals. With a protest on the cards, looks like it could soon turn into a rebellion if authorities do not solve the issue soon. But the one question on everyone's lips - what next?