Bengaluru: One of the city’s most popular pubs, BFlat in Indiranagar will be closing down on October 2, according to the venue’s management. The location was well-known among Bengalureans for hosting live-music gigs and stand-up comedy nights.
The announcement posted on Facebook said, “We regretfully announce that BFlat and BTDT Indiranagar, Bengaluru’s first dedicated live-performance venue and loved restaurant (former Highnote), and home to many music lovers and foodies, closes its doors, effective October 2, 2019, after 10 and a half years of supporting the Arts,”
The post further said, “Positioned as a platform to showcase in particular the independent music scene, jazz and blues as well as stand-up comedy, BFlat has become an iconic institution…The venue hopes to return to Bangalore in a new avatar but under the prevailing conditions it’s Goodbye for now (sic).”
The club is said to be shutting down due to recent run-ins with law enforcement officials who are carrying out drives against all of the city’s nightspots. According to provisions under the Licensing and Controlling Places of Public Entertainment (Bengaluru City) Order (2005), venues looking to host entertainment events must avail licenses from the Bengaluru Commissioner’s Office exclusively for such purposes.
However, the law has been widely criticised as it was not being implemented for more than a decade.
Additionally, the Karnataka Fire Safety and Emergency Services Department had filed a complaint against the club owners for not adhering to current fire safety standards, according to a report by TNM.
Established in 2009, BFlat was one of the longest-running clubs in the city. It has witnessed several performances by famous musicians and stand-up comedians such as Ranjit Barot, Benny Dayal, Monica Dogra, Randolph Correa, Karan Joseph, Soulmate, and TAAQ, among others.
