Sikkim’s nightlife to wind up an hour before midnight

BIJOY GURUNG

Clubs & bars to close by 11 pm in Sikkim

GANGTOK,: Nightlife in Sikkim towns now ends an hour before midnight.

The State government on Wednesday notified that all restaurants, pubs, discotheques, karaoke bars and other establishments in Sikkim shall close by 11 pm.

Persons below 21 years and students in uniforms are also restricted from entering pubs, discos, karaoke bars and other like establishments, notified the Urban Development department on January 8. Onus on restricting entry to the under 21-year olds and students in uniforms has been put on the owners.

All restaurants shall ensure that persons below the age of 21 years as well as students in uniforms are not served liquor or alcoholic beverages as per the existing Excise laws.

Violation of these rules may lead to suspension of trace licenses along with a penalty of Rs. 50,000 or cancellation of trade license, said the Urban Development department.

The department noted that complaints are being received from various quarters regarding the need to regulate the timings of restaurants, pubs, discotheques and other such establishments in the State.

It is reported that entry of persons below 21 years of age is allowed without any restrictions in such establishments, and liquor/alcoholic beverages are also served to them. Such practice is not in consonance with the cultural values, social norms and public health of youth of Sikkim in particular, the Urban Development department.

On January 3, Chief Minister PS Golay had directed that nightclubs and pubs in Sikkim shall be allowed to operate till 11 pm only. Any establishment found running beyond this time will face license cancellation, and the responsible police officer will face suspension or termination, he had warned while speaking at a public function.

This decision has been made in the interest of public welfare, the Chief Minister had said, noting regular instances of fatal accidents that have occurred late at night, often involving drunk driving. The late-night hours of discos and pubs have contributed to some of these life-claiming accidents.