Raid-happy cops leave pubgoers wondering where to quaff in peace

BENGALURU: Last week, a woman enjoying a drink at a pub on Residency Road had to jump off the fourth floor when men in khaki walked in to conduct a raid. Last month, two youngsters fell to death from the stairway of a second-floor pub on Church Street when there was panic in the area’s liquor-serving establishments due to the police commissioner’s surprise visit.
With over 427 pubs, bars, and cafe lounges, the pub capital of India offers plenty of options to those looking to grab a few drinks and unwind. But proliferation of shady joints is becoming a headache and the question before an average pub-going Bengalurean now is how to avoid getting caught in unsavoury situations.
Many pubs are haven for illegal activities like lap dancing, drugs, loud music and underage drinking, among others, exposing customers to police raids and humiliating consequences.
Complaints of harassment
Of late, there is a spike in police raids and pubgoers’ experiences have been traumatic. Many complain that officials walk into a pub, address the customers in a humiliating manner and ask them to scoot as if they have committed a crime. Even a murmur of protest often results in the customers being held by the scruff of their neck and pushed out, they rue.
“When we choose a pub, all we think of is a nice place to drink. How are we responsible if illegal things are happening there? If police officials start behaving rudely with customers, that’s a worrisome situation. Instead of conducting raids, why don’t they stick to rules stringently while giving permission to run these establishments,” asked Nikhil BV, a businessman.
Balachander D Meta, another pub visitor, also felt the need for strict implementation of rules. “It is difficult to identify which pub is safe. A raid could possibly happen at even the poshest of pubs,” he pointed out.
Police have not raided any pubs and the crackdown is only on live bands. Girls are being exploited in the name of live bands, and they are blatantly violating the Supreme Court’s rules, Alok Kumar, police commissioner, said.
Check before you step out
Avoid pubs located in shady places
Leave the place if you find anything unusual
Check online reviews about the outlet before visiting
Talk to regular pubgoers and choose the place wisely