DM imposes 60-day ban across clubs, hotels, shacks and event venues from today; SDMs empowered to book violators
PANAJI
In the aftermath of the deadly fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub on December 6, 2025, the District Magistrate of North Goa has prohibited the use of indoor pyrotechnics and fire-producing equipment across the district, citing serious public safety concerns.
The order, which comes into effect from Sunday for a period of 60 days, bans the use, bursting, ignition or operation of fireworks, sparklers, pyrotechnic effects, flame-thrower type devices, smoke generators and similar fire or smoke-producing equipment inside tourist establishments. These include, but are not limited to, nightclubs, bars and restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, resorts, beach shacks, temporary structures, event venues and other entertainment establishments throughout North Goa.
The prohibition extends to all organisers, banquet halls, private function venues, auditoriums, indoor establishments and tourist facilities operating within the district.
“In exceptional cases, the District Magistrate (or an authorized officer) may grant prior written permission for indoor pyrotechnics provided the applicant submits a detailed safety and risk mitigation plan and all safety documents required for safety compliance,” it further said.
To ensure strict enforcement, all Deputy Collectors and Sub-Divisional Magistrates of North Goa have been authorised to verify violations of the order. They are empowered to file FIRs at the concerned police stations and lodge complaints before the jurisdictional Judicial Magistrate.
The Birch fire recorded the deaths of 25 persons including 21 staff and four tourists, while injuring several others who were a part of the packed nightclub on the night of December 6, 2025.
This week, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant proposed issuing short-term Fire Safety NOCs of up to six months for tourism-related businesses, saying temporary approvals would help establishments such as beach shacks operate smoothly while ensuring safety compliance. He explained that traditionally, Fire NOCs are issued for five years, but for businesses in the tourism sector, like beach shacks, temporary approvals will help them operate smoothly while ensuring safety compliance.
