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Kolkata's Festive Crackdown: Why KMC Is Stepping Up Club Surveillance

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation is gearing up for a major surveillance operation during the holiday season. From December 23 to January 3, special teams will monitor hotels, bars, and nightclubs to ensure they follow all rules. This heightened vigilance comes as a direct response to the recent deadly nightclub fire in Goa. Officials warn that any venue operating without proper permits or safety measures will face heavy fines.

Key Points: KMC to Monitor Kolkata Restaurants, Bars During Christmas-New Year

  • Special KMC surveillance drives will run from December 23 to January 3 across the city
  • Teams will conduct daily checks from 6 p.m., with midnight raids on specific days
  • The crackdown follows a tragic nightclub fire in Goa that claimed 25 lives
  • Focus includes verifying permits, safety measures like fire extinguishers and exits
  • Events at exhibitions, fairgrounds, and parks will also be monitored for tax compliance
  • Strict fines will be imposed for violations, with doubled taxes for post-midnight events
2 min read

KMC to step up vigil on restaurants, bars and nightclubs during Christmas-New Year festivities

Kolkata Municipal Corporation launches special surveillance on hotels, bars, and nightclubs from Dec 23 to Jan 3 to enforce safety norms and entertainment tax rules.

"If any event is held without permission... the concerned authorities will be fined a hefty amount. - KMC Official"

Kolkata, Dec 11

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) will conduct special surveillance drives across hotels, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants during the Christmas and New Year celebrations to ensure strict compliance with entertainment tax rules and safety norms, a senior KMC official said on Thursday.

With the winter festive season just around the corner, preparations have already begun in the city's hotels, nightclubs, restaurants and bars where various concerts, cultural programs and parties are organised. For this, the civic authorities in Kolkata have decided to conduct special surveillance on these places from December 23 to January 3.

The move from the KMC comes days after a fire at a nightclub in Goa, which claimed 25 lives.

According to the KMC official, permission from the municipal corporation is required for any kind of entertainment shows or events during the festive season. A specific entertainment tax must also be paid for this.

It is alleged that every year, several hotels, upscale nightclubs and bars organise parties without obtaining the necessary permits. To prevent such violations, the administration is taking a stricter stance this year.

A KMC official said, "If any event is held without permission, or if the terms of the permit are violated by exceeding the permitted limits, the concerned authorities will be fined a hefty amount. Especially if the event continues until midnight, the tax is doubled. To ensure that these rules are being followed correctly, teams will be on the streets every day from 6 p.m. onwards. On specific days, raids will also be conducted after midnight."

At the same time, special focus will be laid to ensure that adequate safety measures are put in place in such places in case of an emergency. Fire extinguisher, proper entry and exit gates, ventilation and other areas will be monitored during such visits.

This surveillance will cover not only hotels and restaurants but also events organised at various exhibitions, fairgrounds, parks and open grounds across the city.

According to municipal sources, in some cases, large-scale entertainment events are organised under the guise of fairs or exhibitions, but the required taxes are not paid. This year, strict action will be taken if any such tax evasion is detected, officials said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good move by KMC! Every year these places charge exorbitant prices for New Year parties and then skip on paying taxes. The common man pays tax on everything, why should these big businesses get away? 🎉
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Aman W
While safety is paramount, I hope this doesn't become another excuse for harassment and bribes. The focus should be on genuine safety audits, not just creating hurdles for businesses trying to celebrate the season.
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Sarah B
As someone who loves the festive vibe in Kolkata, I appreciate this. Checking fire exits and extinguishers is basic but so often overlooked. Have a happy and safe celebration, everyone!
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Vikram M
The double tax after midnight rule is interesting. It might actually discourage those dangerously overcrowded late-night parties. Smart thinking if implemented fairly.
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Nikhil C
They say this every year before Christmas and New Year. Let's see if there is any real action or if it's just a press release. The real test will be on Dec 31st night.

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