65% of bars in Visakhapatnam lack fire safety certification, say police after simultaneous raids
The Hindu
Investigation reveals majority of Visakhapatnam bars lack fire safety measures, violating liquor sale rules, and other regulations.
More than 65% of the city’s 92 bars and restaurants have not obtained a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Fire Department, indicating that they are not safe from fire hazards, an investigation by the Visakhapatnam Commissionerate of Police revealed.
The police raided 92 bars & restaurants, and pubs in the city on Sunday night on the orders of Police Commissioner Shankabrata Bagchi.
A total of 450 policemen were formed into 92 teams and raids were conducted.
To analyse overall condition of bars in the city, the police verified the condition of bars on various parameters.
An analytical report released by the city police on Monday indicated that out of 92 bars and pubs searched in the city, 60 bars (65%) did not have an NOC from the Fire Department. It turns out that these bars do not comply with fire safety norms.
The police found that 54 bars (58%) were violating the rules in the sale of liquor. The liquor is being sold beyond the permitted price in those bars. Surprisingly, no complaints or comments were received from the customers at the bars during the raids on the issue, police said.
Eight bars found to be using domestic LPG cylinders in the kitchens instead of commercial LPG cylinders. Five bars do not have food licence certificate from the authorities concerned. Six bars do not have trade licences.
Perundurai's industrial growth faces challenges of pollution, water scarcity, and healthcare, impacting residents ahead of the 2026 elections.
The Travancore Devaswom Board asserts that courts should respect community beliefs in its Supreme Court submission on Sabarimala's entry issue.
Karnataka cancels Deendayal Upadhyay event at KSOU due to protocol violations, citing inconsistency with university objectives.
Illegal pickle unit busted in Hyderabad, one arrested; unhygienic stock worth ₹3 lakh seized
Karnataka has entered a state of demographic transition where a large working-age population will no longer be enough to drive economic growth, and future gains will depend on how productively people are employed, the ‘State of Working India 2026’ report said.
Key demands in Sulur Assembly constituency include reviving the powerloom sector, addressing farmers' needs, and protecting River Noyyal.
Kodihalli urges Karnataka CM to allocate ₹10,000 crore revolving fund for seamless procurement of farm products under MSP scheme.
Kerala's political parties continue to marginalize women candidates, highlighting a troubling disconnect between gender demographics and representation.
The High Court of Karnataka on Tuesday ordered the issue of a notice to the State government on a PIL petition, which had complained about disturbances caused to people residing in the localities around the National Public School situated in Rajajinagar 5th block due to use of loudspeakers with high volume in the school and parking of school buses in residential areas.
China is extensively mapping ocean floors to enhance submarine warfare capabilities against the U.S. and allies across key oceans.
AIADMK's 2026 manifesto promises free rations, women's benefits, education reforms, and economic growth initiatives for Tamil Nadu.
The vehicle towing drive will soon resume in the city to ease traffic congestion. The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP), in coordination with the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), is set to relaunch the vehicle towing drive across the city shortly to tackle traffic congestion and illegal parking.
Panic buying, not shortage, is leading to long queues at Hyderabad petrol pumps.