Delhi Govt. directs resto-bars to stop playing loud-recorded music

May 21, 2018

There has been an increase in complaints regarding loud music from natives and following that the Delhi government's excise department has directed resto-bars to not play recorded music. Under the Delhi Excise Rules, only live-singing and playing of instruments by professionals at resto-bars are allowed. But, the rules are mute on whether singers should sing with or without a mike or what decibel their volume should be, but they clearly say that only live singing and playing of instruments by singers are allowed...and no music can be played. Now, under the direction of the government rule-breakers will start facing action if the rule is violated. However, this order does not apply to clubs and hotels. One of the officials was stated as saying that there are more than 800 resto-bars in the national capital that have liquor licenses, and a lot of them are in commercial or residential areas. Natives say that to attract more visitors, these places play loud music till late in the night, leaving the ones living nearby annoyed. “ However, the excise department has not yet received any such complaints against clubs and hotels. But, if there are complaints of loud music being played by them, the department will issue a similar direction to them also.” The excise department has further decided to keep a tight watch to make sure that the directive is followed. “ The department's enforcement wing will carry out inspections to make sure that the resto-bars follow the rules” , an official said.