Bengaluru: Officials responsible for fire safety enforcement across the city have raised concerns over pubs repeatedly ignoring basic safety norms, prompting calls for stronger regulation and more frequent inspections. With New Year’s Eve approaching and public footfall expected to surge, authorities are pushing for coordinated action to prevent any fire-related tragedies in the city’s nightlife hubs.

A senior official from the fire department, speaking on condition of anonymity, told DH that several establishments continue to violate fundamental fire-safety guidelines despite multiple warnings and notices. Recommendations have already been made to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and the health department to cancel licences of pubs that fail to comply.

Officials flag repeated safety violations

According to the fire department official, violations in pubs are not new—but the scale and persistence of unsafe practices remain a major concern.

“Many pubs do not bother to follow fire safety rules or maintain safe access routes. Violations were common back then, and continue even now,” he said.

He added that some rooftop pubs, especially those in high-rise buildings, pose heightened risks because safety drills and fire equipment checks are often neglected. In certain establishments, even parking areas—which should remain clear—are reportedly used as storage spaces for fire safety gear, creating additional hazards.

The official emphasised that routine checks are essential:

  • Verification of fire extinguishers and firefighting systems
  • Ensuring emergency exits are functional and unobstructed
  • Assessing the structural safety of rooftop setups

“Customer safety inside pubs is extremely important. Fire safety compliance should never be compromised,” he said.

RTI activist alleges shielding of illegal rooftop pubs

RTI activist HM Venkatesh alleged that a few officials from government departments are indirectly supporting pubs that operate illegal rooftop or enclosed “roofed-off” spaces without verifying safety compliance.

Venkatesh said that when he filed an RTI regarding action against a pub in the Central Business District (CBD), the GBA claimed to have written to the health department seeking action. However, according to him, the health department denied receiving any such communication.

He remarked that this lack of coordination between departments leaves room for violations to continue unchecked, putting public safety at risk.

Police launch intensified checks ahead of New Year’s Eve

In the wake of the recent Goa pub tragedy, Bengaluru City Police have begun intensifying inspections in coordination with the Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services.

City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh confirmed that a high-level review meeting with GBA, Bescom, and other relevant departments has been scheduled to reassess pub safety protocols and streamline enforcement mechanisms.

“We will be highlighting the issues with officials of GBA, Bescom and other departments concerned to conduct a thorough cross-check of everything and to avoid any untoward incidents,” Singh told DH.

The police have identified unlicensed pubs, overcrowded venues, and rooftop establishments operating in violation of norms as key targets in their ongoing crackdown.

Key areas under inspection

The inspection drive will cover major nightlife and commercial hotspots across Bengaluru, including:

  • MG Road
  • Brigade Road
  • Indiranagar
  • Koramangala
  • HSR Layout
  • Parts of North Bengaluru

Officers have said that strict action will be taken against establishments found violating rules, particularly those operating without valid licences or ignoring mandatory fire-safety measures.

“We will not allow any establishment to compromise public safety during New Year celebrations,” said Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh.

Conclusion

With festive crowds expected in the coming weeks, Bengaluru’s fire and police departments are urging pubs to adhere strictly to safety norms. While enforcement agencies intensify inspections, the larger challenge remains ensuring consistent compliance and inter-departmental coordination. Officials maintain that timely corrective action and stronger oversight are essential to prevent preventable tragedies in the city’s vibrant nightlife sector.