HC dismisses plea to play music after 1.30

After deferring the hearing till yesterday, the Bombay High Court rejected the application filed by the orchestra bar owners, who had moved court on Tuesday seeking an extension for the 1.30 am deadline to play music on New Year's

After deferring the hearing till yesterday, the Bombay High Court rejected the application filed by the orchestra bar owners, who had moved court on Tuesday seeking an extension for the 1.30 am deadline to play music on New Year's.

In its yesterday's report, ('No music from 1.30 to 5 am') MiD DAY had published that the orchestra bar committee of Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR) had moved court hoping to get a legal extension to play music till 5 am.


MiD DAY's report yesterday

Confirming the court's rejection, Sudhakar Shetty, president, AHAR said, "The High Court has asked us to adhere to the usual 1.30 am deadline for playing music. However, as per its earlier order, we'll be able to serve food and drinks till 5am."

However, expressing his concerns, Shetty added, "It is just once a year that we get permission to operate till 5 in the morning. Then what's the harm in playing music? Besides us, even the revellers are being subjected to injustice. HC's judgement has been a disappointing one."

Seconding Shetty's opinion, Bharat Thakur, orchestra bar committee head, stated, "For orchestra bars to remain open till 5 am without playing music makes no sense. The main reason why patrons flock our bars is because of the orchestra. Unfortunately, even the court seems to be against us."

Unwilling to give up, Thakur in his last ditch effort has now decide to convince the State Home department to issue extension for playing music on a trial basis.

"The High Court passed the order stating that playing music till 5 am might disturb the residents. However, not all bars are based in residential areas.u00a0With liquor prices hitting the roof, our business is down by almost 50 per cent. If this continues, it won't be a happy new year for us," grumbled Thakur.

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