Odisha allows orchestra, musical programmes in bars with riders

The Odisha government on Tuesday issued a notification regarding holding orchestra and musical programmes in bars across the state. 

The state government has made some changes under the Odisha Excise (Amendment) Rules, 2024, allowing the bars to hold orchestra and musical programmes. 

As per the amended guidelines, women, not below 21 years of age may be engaged in musical programmes or orchestra in the licensed ON shop premises having a bar license to sell foreign liquor and IMFL for consummation on the premise with prior written permission of the Excise Commissioner. 

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Before granting permission, the Excise Commissioner will impose the restrictions mentioned below. 

The premises of dance bars must have CCTV cameras at appropriate places. If the cameras don’t function, the concerned bar owner must immediately inform the concerned OIC of the Excise Station and the police station under which it falls. 

And most importantly, there will be no orchestra or musical programme from the day one of the cameras become defunct. 

The owners must maintain records of the names and addresses of women performing in musical programmes and orchestras. 

Similarly, it has been directed that the performers should wear clothes in accordance with public decency.