Owners protest as NOC of 10 Gurugram clubs nixed

In order to curb “immoral” activities in the clubs located in the malls, situated in the Mehrauli-Gurugram (MG) Road area, the Gurugram Police has withdrawn No Objection Certificate (NOC) given to 10 such clubs situated in Sahara Mall, MGF Metropolitan Mall and JMD Regent Mall.

The police have taken action due to alleged involvement of these clubs in illegal activities and have recommended the Excise department to cancel their licenses.

Enraged by the police action, the owners of pub, bar and clubs and their employees protested on MG Road on Sunday  and accused police of being inclined against MG Road establishments.

The clubs whose NOC has been cancelled include  Odysee, Sydney, Prison, Ipsa and Ignite operating from Sahara Mall, Empire, Queen and Phantom operating from MGF Metropolitan Mall. King Club and Ion operating from JMD Regent Mall are also among these.

In a letter written to the excise department recommending cancellation of the license Police stated  “the local residents of the adjoining societies and the public, in general, have raised objection against the clubs functioning in Sahara Mall, JMD Regent Mall and MGF Metropolitan Mallon MG Road for their involvement in illegal activities on day to day basis,” stated the letter.

“Three criminal cases have also been registered against three clubs for their involvement in the business of immoral trafficking. Keeping in view of the public interest the NOC issued from police has been withdrawn with immediate effect and recommended to cancel the licenses of these clubs,” it further stated.

On the other hand, Pub and bar owners alleged that police personnel of visiting their outlets frequently and harassing them. They said that this adversely affect their business as people are reluctant to enter clubs. They out-rightly denied any immoral activities inside MG Road mall.

“We have installed several CCTV cameras. If they found any negligence on our part they can take recordings,” said a club owner on condition of anonymity.

Earlier, last Sunday, residents of Mehrauli-Gurugram (MG) road marched together holding candles and banners in protest against pubs, bars and massage centres located inside malls, which are allegedly involved in “prostitution” and “drug peddling”.

“We have written to the excise department regarding the cancellation of the license of these outlets. Earlier license was given on the basis of NOC, now has been withdrawn. We are also planning to seal the premises of these clubs and are taking opinions from concern officials, KK Rao, Commissioner of police, said.

“We have received the withdrawal of the NOC from the police department. The same has been sent to our head office in Panchkula for further action”, said Snehlata Yadav , Deputy Excise and taxation commissioner (East).