Dance bars in Odisha capital get Excise nod, to reopen soon

Bhubaneswar: Bars in Odisha’s capital city will soon add oomph to nightlife as the Excise Commissioner has allowed seven bars in the city to hold music and dance performances in their premises.

In a letter to the Khurda Collector, the Excise Commissioner stated women can perform dance at the seven bars in the city in the first phase with some conditions. The bars will have to adhere to the guidelines under the Excise Act 44(5) to organise the performances.

The Excise Commissioner has granted permission to Rain The Club Restaurant, Ekamra Hotel, Deepali, Greenfield, Live It Up, and Sagar Hotel.

As per the directive, women of not less than 21 years cannot be engaged as dancers at the bars. Also, the dancers will have to provide their voter identity card, Aadhaar card, photos and other details to the bars. The performers cannot wear revealing dress in the bars during the dance show. Spectators cannot throw money to the dancers, the guideline added.

The bar owners have been asked to install CCTV cameras at the spot where music and dance performances will be held.

Sources said if the dance bars do not follow the guidelines their license can be cancelled and they might be asked to cough up fine.