After Deadly Fire Kills 25, Goa Bans Firecrackers, Pyrotechnics In Nightclubs, Restaurants

Days after a deadly fire at a nightclub killing 25 people, the Goa government on Wednesday issued orders banning firecrackers, electronic fire at all restaurants, nightclubs and pubs.

According to the order,

there has been an increase in fireworks, sparklers, pyrotechnic effects, flame thrower-type devices, smoke generators and similar fire/smoke-producing equipment in tourist establishments.

“The use, bursting ignition or operation of fireworks, sparklers, pyrotechnic effects, flame thrower-type devices, smoke generators and similar fire/smoke-producing equipment in tourist establishments is strictly prohibited,” it stated.

The order has been imposed on banquet halls, private functions venues, indoor establishments, tourist establishments such as nightclubs, bars and restaurants, hotels, resorts and others.

The order further stated that the District Magistrate may allow indoor pyrotechnics in exceptional cases but only with prior written permission.

The order at the moment will remain in force for next 60 days and those violating the rules will be punished.

This comes after 25 people died when the pyrotechnics — “electric firecrackers” — set off to spice up the performance struck the wooden ceiling, igniting it instantly.

Police have booked the club owners, partners, managers, event organisers and other managing staff on charges of culpable homicide. The FIR names the chairman of Romeo Lane, Saurabh Luthra, and his brother Gaurav Luthra and other unnamed partners as accused. The FIR mentions that the accused persons, “who are the owners, partners, manager, event organiser and other managing staff of Birch by Romeo Lane, Arpora… without taking proper care and caution, without providing fire safety equipment and other safety gadgets, organised [a] fire show at their restaurant/club which resulted in a serious fire due to which 25 innocent people succumbed to death and also caused injuries to tourist[s] and staff, inspite of having full knowledge that organising such a show may lead to serious fire accidents…”

The contents of the FIR added that “the restaurant did not have an emergency exit door on the ground floor as well as on the deck floor to evacuate in case of emergency”.