Last April, the Sector 4 residents heaved a sigh of relief when Botellon, the rooftop pub on 17th Cross was shutdown by the BBMP and the fire services department ordered Bescom to disconnect the electricity. And only last week, Hangover, another pub on 17th Cross was shutdown by the excise officials.
However, the news is that both the pubs are planning to reopen again. The rumour was that the pub had decided to forego the rooftop area and was shifting to the third floor. But a spot inspection revealed that there was already an IT company that had taken up space on the third floor and the pub was very much being planning to reopen on the terrace itself. When Kumar witnessed this development first hand, he was shell-shocked. After all, the pub was shutdown by the health department of the BBMP and the fire services department for a slew of building bylaw violations that risked human lives. “I saw that there was power as well,” said Kumar to Residents Watch. “A neighbour also said that the pub guys are adamant and he had refused to give a ‘No Objection Certificate’ to the pub. I saw wine filters and beer filters on the rooftop. The terrace floor chairs were arranged and all preparations were under way. They may start very soon. I think the residents association needs to question the excise department. How can they issue a licence despite objections from the residents association?”
When we asked the BBMP officials, they maintained that no trade licence was granted to them. The Sector 4 Residents Welfare Association has decided to write to all the authorities again about this blatant disregard to the rules.
HANGOVER SAGA CONTINUES
Meanwhile, Hangover is showing all signs of opening up again. And this has upset BNR Reddy, the chairman of the Federation of HSR Layout Residents Welfare Association. “Even if they go to court, they cannot reopen until they get the requisite permissions from the BBMP and excise department.” And the BBMP officials clearly told us that no trade licence is issued to Hangover to reopen again.
The cat and mouse game continues. We will keep you posted.
