Blanket ban on playing recorded music erroneous in nature: Restaurant body

Amid the Delhi government's diktat banning playing of recorded music in restro-bars, a national body of restaurants today said such violations should be dealt on a "case-to-case" basis and termed the blanket ban "erroneous" in nature.

However, the excise department stood firm on its decision to enforce the ban.

While the National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI), which claims to represent around one lakh restaurants across the country, said it is engaging with the excise department to resolve this issue, the latter asserted that rules must be followed and any violation will invite strict action.

Days after the order, some of the restaurants also are up in arms against the excise department, saying without music, their business will not survive and every such joint cannot afford live musicians.

Three days ago, the Delhi government said that restro-bars playing recorded songs or music in their premises will attract strict action from the authority and warned these establishments against it, citing laid down rules.

NRAI president Rahul Singh said, "Any violation on this front should be dealt on a case-to-case basis, and a blanket ban is erroneous in nature."
Asked how live music does not create nuisance, the official said, "We take action based on the nature of complaints we receive."
Meanwhile, Umang Tiwari who owns two restaurants in Cannaught place said, "Our business will not survive without music. People are coming to these joints for entertainment. If there is no music, how will our business survive. All restaurants cannot afford live music."