In a bid to boost nightlife and bolster the state’s excise revenue, the Uttar Pradesh government has established a five-member committee tasked with determining whether to extend curfew hours for bars in Noida and Ghaziabad.
During a meeting with the excise department on Friday, the Noida restaurant owners’ association requested permission for bars to operate until 4am, as they are currently permitted to stay open only until 1am.
Subodh Kumar, the district excise officer in Noida, stated that the committee tasked with reviewing bar timings was formed by excise commissioner Adarsh Singh. Its members include Jogendra Singh, the joint director of statistics, and Alok Kumar, the deputy excise commissioner, among others.
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“The NCR comprises the cities of Noida & Ghaziabad, and the per capita income as well as economic activity of the population are similar to those of other NCR cities. In this case, it is critical for the excise department to consider new revenue streams.” The commissioner’s letter directed the committee to provide a report within 15 days.
During the meeting, restobar owners conveyed to the excise department officials that it was imperative for bar timings in Noida to synchronize with those in cities such as Delhi and Gurgaon.
Varun Khera, president of the Noida chapter of the National Restaurant Association of India, said, “We proposed that bars in Noida should have the option to remain open until 3-4am at the very least, akin to the practice in Delhi and Gurgaon, where the nightlife has significantly evolved.”
In May 2022, the Delhi government extended bar hours by two hours until 3am, subject to the payment of a license fee. Meanwhile, in Gurgaon, bars have the option to operate round the clock upon obtaining the necessary license.
Khera suggested that extending operating hours would cater to individuals looking to relax after completing a night shift. “Noida boasts numerous 24×7 offices. Currently, stringent regulations on late-night gatherings compel residents to journey to Gurgaon or Delhi. By adjusting these hours, not only will it allow people to dine at bars, but it will also substantially boost government revenue,” he emphasized.
Committee members emphasized the importance of ensuring that the adjusted timings do not adversely affect law and order.
“We are currently examining the proposal to extend bar hours by a few hours. However, any extension will be thoroughly evaluated to prevent any potential law enforcement challenges,” Kumar stated, noting that similar measures were also under consideration for Ghaziabad.
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As a strategy to increase revenue, the excise department is also considering issuing licenses for food and beverage establishments within IT parks.
“Once the Noida airport becomes operational by the end of this year, we anticipate a more dynamic nightlife in the NCR city. With this in view, we are preparing to grant licenses for food and beverage services in IT parks that operate around the clock,” Kumar elaborated.
The restaurant association has also urged for a unified portal to streamline the licensing process. Currently, obtaining NOCs entails coordination with multiple departments including the Noida Authority, police, fire, and food safety departments.
“The implementation of a unified portal will streamline the process of engaging with different departments,” stated the excise official.