MAPUSA
Facing scrutiny over the rapid issuance of fire safety clearances, the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services has claimed that the fire no-objection certificate (NOC) granted to Café CO2 was meant only for a restaurant and not for a nightclub, even as the department has since withdrawn the clearance.
Assistant Divisional Officer (North) Bosco Ferrao told The Goan on Sunday that the fire NOC was renewed after an inspection found the premises compliant with prescribed fire safety norms for a restaurant.
“The concerned fire officer deputed for inspection found that the restaurant had complied with the necessary fire protocols. Fire prevention measures were working properly and exit glow boards had been installed as instructed. Only after everything was found in order was the fire NOC renewed,” Ferrao said.
However, when asked why the NOC was withdrawn despite compliance, Ferrao said the department later learnt that the establishment was being operated as a nightclub.
“We were not aware that the premise was functioning as a club. Once this came to our notice, the fire NOC was withdrawn,” he said.
Ferrao added that fire permissions are issued or renewed based on the trade licence granted by the local panchayat, which, in this case, classified the establishment as a restaurant.
“The panchayats issue trade licences to establishments as restaurants, and based on that classification, and after following required procedures, fire permissions are issued,” he said.
The Directorate’s action has come under the scanner after it emerged that Café CO2—one of the nightclubs sealed by the government-appointed Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee – had obtained a fire NOC within 48 hours.
The speed with which fire NOCs were allegedly issued triggered public outrage, with residents and activists questioning whether mandatory inspections and due processes were bypassed, particularly in the aftermath of heightened enforcement following recent fire safety lapses at nightlife establishments.
