White Rabbit pub in Jubilee Hills booked for violating COVID-19 rules

Hyderabad: The city police on 19 April registered a case against the White Rabbit pub located at Road no. 36 in Jubilee Hills for not complying with the COVID-19 norms and operating beyond the permitted hours.

According to the police, on Friday midnight they received information that the pub was still open and there were guests inside. A police team rushed to the spot and found that the pub was open even after the closing time. Further, the police noticed that there was a big crowd inside and the people were not following COVID-19 safety protocols like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing in the pub premises.

Based on the findings, the police registered a case against pub owner Sandeep and manager Ashish Singh under Section 188 of the IPC and also under the Disaster Management Act. The police detained the manager and served him notices. Meanwhile, the owner is absconding.

The police have also collected evidence against the pub and will produce them before the court. Further investigation is underway, the police said.

In view of the COVID-19 second wave, the state government has issued orders making it mandatory to wear masks, maintain social distance, and follow other safety procedures in public places. The government has also imposed a fine of Rs. 1,000 against citizens who do not wear masks.