DJs allowed in Hyd pubs but no loud music; premises will be seized if drugs found: Minister Srinivas Goud

Hyderabad: Pub owners/management will be booked and liquor license revoked, if drugs are found or consumed inside the said premises. Meanwhile, pubs falling under Greater Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy jurisdiction, can allow (DJs) however no loud music. Complaints against noise pollution will be dealt seriously, said Telangana minister of prohibition and Excise, V. Srinivas Goud.

Following Telangana Chief Minister K ChandraShekar Rao's clarion against drug abuse in the state, Minister V Srinivas Goud held a meeting with pub owners on January 31st, afternoon. In what came as a crude warning to pub owners, Goud reiterate that no mercy will be shown against management if drugs are found in the said premises. "Information regarding possible drug abuse in city pubs and clubs has reached Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, he is genuinely concerned about the future of all. Hyderabad is recognized globally, such incidents should be a black spot on the brand image. The CM has directed the Excise department and law & order to show zero tolerance towards drug abuse".

He further added, "Over the past 10 years, the Telangana government has curbed gambling dens and gudumba and other cheap liquor. The government is hell bent to curb the drug menace again. There will be strict enforcement towards noise pollution, pubs violating permissible decibel limits will face criminal cases, even if they are run by influencial people. However, DJs will be allowed in pubs and bars in the city but while maintaining permissible decibels", he said.

The minister also said that any complaints regarding noise pollution (if proven) will directly lead to the seizure of the pub/clubs. No recommendation calls will be entertained. Pub owners must be issued notices and given 24 hours to explain about the "noise pollution", . The minister directed all circle inspectors to begin inspection from Monday 5 p.m onwards. In wake of the enforcement, a toll-free number (1800-425-2523) of the Excise department has been provided, said Mr. Goud.

He said pub owners must be vigilant about suspicious customers. They can install cameras in the smoking areas, display the toll-free number around the pub, and take all precautions to curb the drug menace. "Likewise, pub owners should not be afraid while dealing with drug peddlers or abusers, even if they are influential people. Pub owners will get all support from the government, including a special incentive," said the minister.

Talking about the drug peddled by International students, Mr. Goud said foreign students booked for drug abuse will be repatriated to their respective countries. Serious action will be initiated against those operating through the dark web and other courier services to transport drugs in the city, he said.

Senior IAS officer Sarfaraz Ahmad-Prohibition and Excise Director told NewsMeter that department will be coordinating with Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in order to curb the entry and exit of drugs at important state borders.

Meanwhile, the pub owners who were part of this meeting assured to toe in line with the government's initiative. "The excise department will have robust support from the management's end, we are with the government in its zero tolerance towards drugs issue' said Pranay Reddy of 10D pub in Begumpet".