No more Saturday night fever at Jubilee Hills

Jubilee Hills: Jubilee Hills, which is usually packed with activities on weekends, has been wearing a deserted look lately, as the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) had sealed 14 pubs for not complying with fire safety standards, acquiring trade licence and providing ample parking space.

The business has been hit badly and several employees have gone on a long holiday. Rahul, student and a part-time bartender at one of the pubs, said, "I was looking to make a few thousand rupees this weekend, as my friends and I had planned an outdoor trip. The crackdown on pubs has come as a rude jolt."

The GHMC officials shut down 14 pubs in Jubilee Hills on Friday and most of the pubs are on Road No 36, 45 and close to Jubilee Hills Check Post. Meghna Raut, a software employee, said, "We had to make last minute changes and now are heading outdoors for a party. We frequent Prost Brew pub."

Pubs that were shut down include Hard Cup Cafe, United Kitchens of India, Prost Brew pub, Chemistry, Celebrations, Karma and others. Fat Pigeon, Dock 45 and Fusion 9 were certified as illegal. Heart Cup Coffee and United Kitchens of India did not have permission for parking space. Tollgate did not have trade and food license.

GHMC officials said that several pubs did not conform to the rules and that they were being run on unauthorized floors. Many had just provisional licenses. It may be noted that the GHMC has sent notices twice to the pubs.

Out of the 40 pubs in the area, 14 have been shut down and 12 more are on the list, as per the GHMC officials. According to reliable sources, the remaining pubs too would be shut down in the coming days. Robert, who works in one of the pubs, said that the managements should have adhered to the rules. We knew they received notices, yet they did not take action."