In the wake of the December 6 Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub tragedy in Arpora that claimed 25 lives, the North Goa district administration on Thursday banned fireworks inside nightclubs, hotels, and tourist venues across the district.

The move follows rising public anger over safety lapses at the nightclub, where flammable décor and the use of indoor firecrackers are believed to have triggered the deadly blaze.

MGP renews demand to shut all nightclubs

A day earlier, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), the BJP’s coalition partner, renewed its long-standing opposition to Goa’s nightlife culture.

“Nightclubs do not sync with Goa’s culture… they should be stopped,” MGP president Deepak ‘Pandurang’ Dhavalikar said, calling for a shift toward what he termed “good tourism.”

Since 2014, the MGP has also opposed pubs, bikini-clad swimming, massage parlours, and illegal casinos, arguing that they go against “Bharatiya sanskruti.”

Government moves into emergency mode ahead of Christmas–New Year rush

On Wednesday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant convened a high-level meeting with senior officials and tourism stakeholders to strengthen safety measures ahead of the festive season.

The government issued firm directives, including:

  • Immediate cancellation of licences of establishments lacking fire-safety clearance
  • Ban on liquor sales after 11 pm to curb late-night violations
  • Warnings to tourists to avoid swimming in flagged danger zones
  • Surprise inspections of nightclubs, beach shacks, and high-footfall areas
  • A full review of all licences and fire safety certifications

Officials confirmed that six people have been arrested in connection with the Arpora nightclub fire as part of a widening crackdown on illegal modifications and regulatory violations.

Multiple inquiries ordered after tragedy

A senior officer present at the meeting said the government has set up:

  • A high-level magisterial inquiry
  • A fire safety audit committee
  • Inter-department coordination teams to ensure strict enforcement

“The chief minister ordered all departments to ensure there was no laxity, especially with the upcoming tourist surge,” the officer said.

The intensified scrutiny comes as authorities continue to track down those responsible for the violations. The Luthra brothers, co-owners of the nightclub, were detained in Thailand and are expected to be deported soon.