PANAJI
Barely two days after sealing the ‘Goya’ nightclub in Vagator, authorities on Saturday sealed the ‘Cafe CO2’ club in Ozrant-Vagator for allegedly operating without a mandatory No Objection Certificate from the Fire Department.
The Joint Enforcement Monitoring Committee led by Kabir Shirgaonkar also found that the nightclub had safety issues pertaining to the structure.
Authorities directed the establishment to be sealed till it complied with all required permissions.
Action is being taken against the backdrop of the government's intensified scrutiny of clubs regarding safety, licenses, and compliance with regulations, following the fire tragedy at Birch By Romeo Lane in Arpora, which claimed 25 lives.
In response to the tragedy, the government announced stringent new safety measures for all tourist and entertainment establishments. These include mandatory fire safety compliance, a complete ban on fireworks, and restrictions on liquor sales after 11 pm.
The regulations focus on strict enforcement of existing safety rules and the introduction of additional measures ahead of the Christmas and New Year season.
Under the new guidelines, all establishments must maintain valid fire safety certifications and obtain necessary NOCs from the Fire Department. Functional smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire hydrants and fire extinguishers have been made mandatory.
Emergency exits and escape routes must remain unobstructed, with illuminated signage, evacuation maps and emergency lighting in place. Establishments are also required to strictly adhere to authorised occupancy limits to prevent overcrowding.
The use, ignition or operation of fireworks, sparklers and pyrotechnic effects has been completely prohibited inside nightclubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, beach shacks and all other event venues across Goa.
