The BBMP is set to hear representations from rooftop bars and restaurants in Bengaluru, after the civic body issued notices for causing noise pollution and violating fire safety norms.
The bars and restaurants had approached the High Court over fears that they will be asked to shut down and the HC directed authorities to hear the pleas of two restaurants, which had been given notices by the BBMP for noise pollution.
It also directed that fire safety measures be checked in these establishments.
The HC clarified that there was nothing wrong in BBMP issuing notices and stressed that it was the responsibility of the restaurant to control noise pollution.
The HC, in its January 11 order, said: “The increasing noise pollution in a metro city like Bengaluru is not only the concern of the Municipal authorities, but should be the concern of all public members and should be equally the concern of the petitioner-restaurant as well,” reported Bangalore Mirror
The High Court was reviewing two petitions, one by Azure Hospitality which runs several restaurants and AA Hospitality LLP, which runs The Open Box restaurant.
The two hearings on Tuesday will set the tone for hearings on notices served for other restaurants.
Earlier, Bengaluru civic officials issued notices to 69 rooftop bars and restaurants in the city, warning of closure, if they violate fire safety norms.
“Inspections were conducted in 12 of the total 38 rooftop establishments in the South Zone. The remaining will be served notices as soon as inspection is completed,” said Dr Manoranjan Hegde, BBMP Health Officer, South Zone.
Onesta in Banaswadi was the first restaurant to get a BBMP notice to vacate the premises and it was slapped with a fine of Rs 5 lakh.
Another eatery in the area, Rasta Café, was also sealed and the owners of the establishment were fined Rs 5 lakh.
On Lavelle Road, two outlets – Attic and Lady Bug – were also levied a penalty of Rs 5 lakh each.