CHENNAI: In a Saturday night
raids at a few bars and pubs in the city, police registered cases against four establishments for violating Covid-19 regulations. The places were open beyond the stipulated cut-off time and were crowded.
The raids were conducted by a team headed by Triplicane deputy commissioner Krishnaraj and prohibition enforcement wing officials. Police registered cases against Slate Resto
bar, Lords Of the Drinks, Haddows
Club and Barracuda Brew. The clubs, open after stipulated closing time, also didn’t ensure the guests followed physical distancing norms and admitted customers beyond the 50% capacity.
“We had already asked the clubs to ensure they followed the protocol, but we received several complaints of violation and thus had to conduct the raids,” said Krishnaraj.
The pubs were instructed to close kitchens, bars by 10pm and serve the last of the drinks by 10.30pm. But all four establishments were serving
liquor past deadline. Violations spiked during weekends putting all customers, staff at risk.
Cases were registered under the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act and section 269 of the Indian Penal Code (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life).