KOCHI: Kochi city police on Tuesday reinstated restrictions on DJ parties in bars, stressing that events must end by 11 pm and establishments must close by midnight, in line with existing government orders. The directive was reinforced through a notice issued by the Ernakulam central assistant commissioner on April 28, citing the need to maintain law and order. The notice applies to all bars under the central police subdivision.
“Rather than a new circular, this is a notice served to bar owners and operators. The decision to issue the notice was taken during a meeting held on Tuesday to reinforce compliance with existing rules. We have observed delays in winding up DJ parties before the permitted deadline,” said C Premanandakrishnan, assistant commissioner of police, Ernakulam Central sub division.
He said that the notice is a reminder of the earlier instructions issued by the city police commissioner, and similar steps may be taken in other subdivisions as well. During the meeting, bar owners were directed to adhere to the 3 am closing time permitted for bars in five-star hotels.
Meanwhile, Disc Jockeys (DJs) that TNIE spoke to do not see this purported change as a big deterrent to their business. “If anything, it is only bringing clarity to existing rules,” said DJ Arnold, a popular artist.
“Earlier, clubs were instructed to wind up DJ parties at 11 pm. However, following the extension of liquor serving hours in bars till midnight, and till 3 am for bars in five-star hotels, the parties continued at most places past the allotted deadline (11 pm), partly due to a lack of clarity on rules,” he said.
A club proprietor said earlier when DJ programmes continued till 12 am, it was difficult to disperse the crowd afterwards. “They would hang around even past 2 am, and sometimes required a police patrol car to zoom this way to see them disbanded. Closing the ‘party’ early brings a ‘resolution’ to the night,” she highlighted. “This change is definitely not a wrong move. It’s only a re-emphasis of existing rules,” she added.