No parties in open spaces this year

Citing parking issues and noise decibel levels, cops refuse licences for New Year parties in open spaces

The police are playing party poopers as they are denying permission for outdoor events this New Year's eve citing parking issues. Even though officials claim that people can apply for a license, they admit that the possibility of getting permission is doubtful.

Satish Khandare, DCP, Zone II, said, "There are certain norms based on which we are issuing licences. We have to ensure that there are no residential buildings close to the open space where the party is happening. The other bigger issue is parking space."

Noise pollution
The decision has been taken because officials claim that they have been flooded with complaints every year about high decibel levels as most New Year bashes continue till the wee hours of morning. And most of the complaints have come from areas like Kalyani Nagar and Koregaon Park.

Khandare added, "We can't stop the restaurants and night clubs from doing business as they get maximum crowd on December 31."

And incidentally, the decision to disallow outdoor celebrations has worked in favour of city's night club and hotel owners. And with a launch of seven new hotels, accommodating revellers should not be a problem.

Though hotels will be open till 2 am, most hoteliers are eager to cash in on the 'indoor parties only' rule.

Sandit Shah, director, sales and marketing, The Westin, which is the latest name to join the list of five-star hotels in Pune, said, "The decision to have all parties indoors will definitely be profitable for us. We have big plans for New Year's as it's the first year of our launch and we want to make our presence felt."

Jeremy D'Souza, an official from Le Meridien confirmed, "More than the five star hotels, it's the three and four stars that will draw the maximum crowd. By paying a minimal entry charge of Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500, a family or couple can eat, dance and also enjoy the music. It's a more profitable and an affordable choice."

However, those organising open-air parties are not at all threatened. Shaji, unit head, at Pan Card Club, which is one of the most popular open space parties in the city, feel that they have nothing to worry about. "We are confident that the police will issueu00a0 licenses to host New Year bashes in open spaces. We are sure to get a crowd of 1,800 this year," he added.u00a0u00a0
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Low business
The entire ABC Farms and close-by restaurants will in factu00a0 be closed on New Year's eve. Most places down shutters by 6 pm. Mehdi, from Shisha Cafu00e9 at ABC Farms, said, "There is so much traffic around this place that people are stuck in the traffic for long hours. So there's no point in keeping the restaurant open."