No ban on recorded music in Delhi restobars, say official

Representational Image

The Delhi Excise Department has "not banned" playing of recorded music in restobars in the city, Excise Commissioner Amjad Tak said on Monday, following flak for a circular to restobars to have only "live singing/playing of instruments by professionals".

Asked whether any action would be taken against restobars found playing recorded music, Tak told IANS: "The Excise Department has not banned recorded music in restobars. No action will be taken against them."

The May 16 circular states: "It is reiterated that the L-17 licensee is permitted only to have live singing/playing of instruments by professionals within his licensed premises. Violation of these rules shall lead to strict action as per law."

Tak maintained that though the circular said only "live singing/playing of instruments by professionals", but nowhere did it mention that the recorded music was banned. "We are getting complaints about loud music, but it is not our work. We will forward it to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee," Tak said.

President of Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), Garish Oberoi, told IANS that the circular "does not make sense" and that the "Excise Department cannot choose what type of music can be played". "Our delegation will meet department officials on Tuesday to seek clarification on what the circular means," he said.

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever