Indiranagar residents want all illegal pubs to shut down or behave!

Recently, Indiranagar’s 54th pub, Buffalo Wild Wings, came up in violation of the laws, and against the wishes of the residents. The inhabitants say that they are not resting until all the illegal pubs either vanish from their neighbourhood or comply with all the building bylaws, noise and excise norms, among others.

More than a week ago, I Change Indiranagar, a federation of all the resident welfare associations in the region tweeted to the authorities that a new bar is close to two temples. “Pubs are being set up in Indiranagar left, right and centre,” says Sneha Nandihal of I Change Indiranagar. “Be it Playboy opposite Methodist Church or Buffalo Wild Wings, 28.3 metres away from Anjaneya temple. This is wrong legally and in violation of Rule 5 in Excise laws. The Spastics Society of Karnataka is right behind the bar.”

According to the residents, Buffalo Wild Wings, the restaurant and sports bar on 100 Ft Road is the newest lounge space in Indiranagar to the already existing count of 53 pubs & bars. In 2017, Telugu actor Allu Arjun joined hands with hospitality brand M Kitchens to bring the American brand to India. I Change Indiranagar has also tweeted to the superstar on how he can be so irresponsible in opening a place in a largely residential area.

A letter by I Change Indiranagar to the local MP and MLAs clearly cites that Buffalo Wild Wings is close to Anjaneya (muzrai registered) and Kempamma temples in violation of the laws. In addition, the letter points out that there are many existing eateries already violating the excise laws in the vicinity of the previously-mentioned temples, including Toit, Barebones The Balcony Bar, Three Dots & A Dash, Elango’s, and Mac’s Brewery.

The letter further states: “Intoxicated patrons of the bars spilling onto the streets post 1am indulge in public drunkenness, crimes against women, violence, drugs, prostitution, and pose a serious security risk because of which our fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the constitution is being violated. As our elected representatives, we request you to kindly intervene and ensure the bar is closed with immediate effect and action initiated against other erring establishments.”

Despite the residents’ continuing complaints against illegal pubs in Indiranagar, and much media glare, entrepreneurs continue to set up pubs and not only invite penal provisions but also end up losing money.