Panaji: The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) is exploring whether bars in the city, particularly in Sao Tome, can be required to close by 11pm following complaints from residents about noise, late-night nuisance and disturbances caused by patrons.CCP commissioner Clen Madeira said the corporation had received several complaints about bars operating into the early hours, with residents reporting nuisance, disturbances and instances of clashes that were affecting public safety and convenience.The civic body issues trade licences to bars and restaurants after the requisite excise licences are obtained. Their operating hours are currently governed by the excise department.“Regarding bar timings, we will have to check and see what rules are governing them. I have asked the officers to double check their timings. There are certain establishments that are causing problems for residents in the area. They are not controlling the kind of people who are coming. They are playing loud music at night, which disturbs the residents,” mayor Rohit Monserrate said.Monserrate has asked CCP officials to examine whether new norms or guidelines can be introduced to address the problem.“We can see if their licence can be cancelled if there is a disturbance. Bars remaining open till 5 in the morning, I am not in favour of this, at least in Sao Tome,” he said.The CCP has yet to take a decision but is considering tighter restrictions on bar operating hours in residential areas.Corporator Jack Sukhija said the corporation could examine town and country planning (TCP) norms to determine whether an 11pm cut-off could be enforced in residential areas.“There is a little spillover in my ward because it is one continuous stretch. As per TCP’s norms for residential areas, bars are allowed to function up to 11pm. Someone can extend it till 5am by paying an additional fee but not in residential areas. The mayor said that they would study it. But the issue is not just about the bars, there is the casino traffic, and are they going to take that up also?” Sukhija said.Monserrate said the CCP could also regulate bars through specific terms and conditions while issuing or renewing their trade licences.
