No bouncers in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar bars without Commissionerate police verification; guidelines issued

The Commissionerate Police has toughened its stance on the bouncers at several bars operating under its jurisdiction in the Twin Cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

Taking cognizance of a series of instances of nuisance and violence by bouncers at bars and other watering holes in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, the Commissionerate Police on Monday promulgated a set of instructions asking for strict compliance by the bar owners in the Twin Cities while deploying these private security personnel who are informally called as bouncers.

As per a notice issued by the Commissionerate Police, “In recent months, some criminal cases have been registered against many such private security personnel who are called bouncers. It is apprehended that there is every likelihood of imminent danger from these bouncers to the life and safety of the customers, resulting in breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquility.”

“It is necessary that some checks should be put with a view to deter such unwarranted threat to the life and safety of the customers as well as breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquility. There is sufficient ground for proceeding under the law for immediate prevention of such activity,” the Police said.

1. No Bar owner will appoint any person as private security whether known as bouncer or otherwise without prior verification of the character and antecedents of the person concerned by the respective territorial Deputy Commissioner of Police.

2. Bar owner will appoint any person as his/her private security only from private security agencies registered under PSARA Act.

3. Bar owner will inform local Police Station about persons engaged for security purposes in writing.

4. These security personnel employed in such establishment are subject to the ordinary legal rules regarding the use of force.

5. These security personnel can perform tasks permitted by law.

6. In case of need they can inform Police by calling 112.

7. In no circumstances the act of these personnel can infringe upon the fundamental right of the customer.

The order has come into force with effect from February 6 (Tuesday) and will remain in force for a period of 60 days i.e. up to February 5 (both days inclusive) unless withdrawn earlier.

Any individual/association contravening this order will be punishable under the provision of law, the police said.