Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Even as several hundred nightclubs are openly operating across Goa under the guise of restaurant permissions, official records tabled in the Legislative Assembly paint a strikingly different picture — recognising the existence of just two such establishments in the entire State.
In a written reply, the government informed the House that village panchayats across the State have reported information about only two nightclubs allegedly operating on restaurant trade licences, both located in Candolim village of Bardez taluka.
Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho, while tabling the reply, stated that SinQ and Cohiba are the only two establishments identified by panchayats as functioning as nightclubs despite holding restaurant trade licences. All other village panchayats have officially claimed that they have no information about any restaurants misusing trade licences to run nightclubs.
Candolim village panchayat acknowledged that while trade licences were issued for restaurant activities, SinQ and Cohiba were allegedly functioning as nightclubs. The panchayat said it had issued notices to the operators, directing them to obtain mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Fire Department and the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).
The demolition order against Cohiba Bar & Restaurant, issued by the panchayat, continues to remain stayed, with the matter currently sub judice.
The reply, stands in sharp contrast to ground realities, where nightlife establishments — featuring DJs, dance floors, late-night alcohol service and large crowds — are widely operational across coastal belts and hinterland areas alike, often without requisite permissions or statutory clearances.
Significantly, the Arpora–Nagoa village panchayat, which has repeatedly faced allegations, complaints and enforcement action over illegal nightlife activities in the past, has informed the government that there are “nil nightclubs” operating within its jurisdiction. The reply comes over month after major fire disaster at Birch nightclub claimed 25 lives.
As per the government, majority of panchayats across all talukas stated that no violations were detected, while several others claimed that no complaints were received regarding misuse of restaurant licences for nightclub operations.
In some cases where panchayats had passed closure or demolition orders against errant establishments, implementation could not proceed due to stay orders or interim relief granted by the Additional Director of Panchayats.
The government’s own data, highlights glaring enforcement gaps across the State. Several panchayats admitted to: Absence of joint inspections with police and line departments, No time-bound action on complaints, Lack of online disclosure of issued trade licences and Poor coordination with Police, Excise, Town and Country Planning (TCP) and other authorities
