Two Goa nightclubs sealed after deadly fire triggers statewide crackdown

Authorities have sealed at least two nightclubs as part of a statewide crackdown following the death of 25 people in a fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub on December 6 officials saidCafe CO2 Goa a prominent nightclub located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa was sealed on Saturday The move came two days after Goya Club also in Vagator was shut down for alleged violationsAn inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa at Ozrant Cliff by a state governmentappointed team revealed that the club which has a seating capacity of 250 did not possess a noobjection certificate NOC from the Fire and Emergency Services DepartmentldquoThere are also some issues with its structural stability Additionally the club had extended its construction beyond the permissible limits due to which it was shut downrdquo a state government official saidPolice investigating the Birch by Romeo Lane fire tragedy have arrested six people so far including managers and staff members of the nightclubThe owners of the fireravaged establishment Saurabh Luthra and his brother Gaurav Luthra have been detained in Phuket Thailand Authorities there have initiated deportation proceedings government sources said on FridayIn response to the tragedy the Goa government has announced stringent new safety measures for all tourist and entertainment establishments These include mandatory fire safety compliance a complete ban on fireworks and restrictions on liquor sales after 11 pmChief Minister Pramod Sawant has warned that establishments failing to comply with the new norms will face cancellation of licences and sealing of premises The regulations focus on strict enforcement of existing safety rules and the introduction of additional measures ahead of the Christmas and New Year season25Number of people who died in Birch by Romeo LaneBirch by Romeo Lane PicXKunal_MechrulesWhat are the new rulesUnder the new guidelines all establishments must maintain valid fire safety certifications and obtain necessary NOCs from the Fire Department Functional smoke detectors sprinklers fire hydrants and fire extinguishers have been made mandatory Emergency exits and escape routes must remain unobstructed with illuminated signage evacuation maps and emergency lighting in place Establishments are also required to strictly adhere to authorised occupancy limits to prevent overcrowding The use ignition or operation of fireworks sparklers and pyrotechnic effects has been completely prohibited at all event venues across GoaThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever