RTI Reveals Only 23 Licensed Pubs In Pune Amid Crackdown On Illegal Establishments

Advocate Sameer Shaikh, a prominent criminal lawyer practicing at Shivajinagar court, filed a Right to Information (RTI) query on June 3, which revealed that only 23 pubs and discotheques in Pune city are officially authorized. This inquiry was prompted by a tragic accident in Kalyaninagar on May 19, where two IT professionals lost their lives after their two-wheeler was hit by a speeding luxury car driven by a juvenile who had allegedly consumed alcohol at two prominent clubs in the city.

The RTI response, received on June 25, listed the authorized pubs and discotheques located in areas such as Mundhwa, Baner, Balewadi, Shivajinagar, Koregaon Park, Kalyani Nagar, Yerawada, Raja Bahadur Mills, Sangamwadi, and Shivajinagar. Shaikh pointed out that while hundreds of pubs operate in Pune, only these 23 have been verified and authorized by the police.

List of 23 Licensed Pubs:

1. High Spirits Cafe, Ghorpadi Peth
2. Panchasheel Infrastructure Holding Pvt Ltd, Marriott Suites, Mundhwa
3. ICC Realty India Pvt Ltd., Hotel J W Marriott, Shivaji Nagar
4. Classic City Investment Pvt Ltd, The Westin, Mundhwa
5. Gravity Lifestyle Restaurant, ABC Road, Koregaon Park
6. Grandeur Hotel Pvt Ltd – Hotel Coco, ABC Road, Mundhwa
7. Hotel Mayra Hospitality LLP – 2 BHK, Sangamwadi, Pune
8. Hotel Eventestic Hospitality Services – Otel Orila, ABC Road Pyramid Complex, Mundhwa
9. Hotel Water Bar And Kitchen, Mundhwa
10. Hotel One BHK and Kitchen, Baner
11. Hotel Dakkhan Hospitality Services, Ambegaon Narhe
12. Hotel Epicurean Foods (Elrow), Yerwada
13. Hotel Seven Sage Hospitality, Sangamwadi
14. New Age Hospitality – Hotel Qora, Koregaon Park
15. Trillium Securities Pvt Ltd – Hotel Cosie, Mundhwa
16. Tres Commas Hospitality (Millers The Luxury Club LLP), Sangamwadi
17. Extravaganza Hospitality, Opp Balewadi High Street, Baner
18. Joker Hospitality, Baner
19. Ishkafizim Hospitality, Kalyani Nagar
20. Club In Sheraton Grand, Near Pune Station
21. Ekka IVI Hospitality, Balewadi
22. Elephant and Co, Baner
23. Coastal Culture, Baner

On May 22, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) launched a crackdown on unauthorized pubs, bars, and rooftop hotels, resulting in the demolition of 54 such establishments, encompassing 54,300 square feet of construction. This action targeted areas including Mundhwa, Koregaon Park, Ghorpadi, Pune Station, Kalyani Nagar, and Viman Nagar.

Shaikh emphasized the need for stricter enforcement and better regulation to prevent such incidents in the future. “Pune has been home to numerous pubs and discos for many years, but a significant number of them operate without the necessary permissions. The recent RTI information reveals that only 23 have obtained the required permissions, and one of these permissions has been canceled,” he stated.

Following the Kalyani Nagar accident, police and municipal authorities have intensified efforts to shut down illegal establishments. Shaikh expressed concern about the lack of effective enforcement and the apparent disregard for the law by some business owners. He noted the inconsistency in licensing enforcement, pointing out that while small shops cannot operate without licenses, large pubs and bars often function without the necessary permissions.

Shaikh’s petition to the government, on behalf of the public, calls for assurance that all illegal pubs and discos will be permanently closed and not allowed to reopen. He stressed the importance of maintaining vigilance to ensure public safety and prevent future incidents.

The police have taken steps such as enforcing a strict 1:30 am closure deadline and using breathalyzers to curb drunk driving. However, Shaikh believes sustained efforts are necessary. He urges the authorities to provide a clear plan of action to ensure the permanent closure of illegal establishments and to prevent their reopening. This, he asserts, will help restore public confidence in the authorities’ ability to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of citizens.