Goa nightclub fire: Goa launches MAJOR crackdown on nightclubs, two prominent clubs shut due to…

Goa nightclub fire: At least two famous nightclubs have been sealed by authorities in Goa as a major crackdown was launched across the state after 25 people were charred to death in a massive fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub on December 6.

Why renowned clubs were closed?

According to officials, Cafe CO2 Goa and Goya Club, two prominent nightclubs at the famous Vagator beach in North Goa, were sealed by authorities for violating fire safety norms and other violations, including illegal construction.

A government-appointed team carried out an inspection at Cafe CO2 Goa on Saturday, during which it was found that the facility, which has a seating capacity of 250, did not have a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Fire and Emergency Services Department.

An official said the posh club, located on the Ozrant Cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach, was also found in violation of permissible construction limits due to which it was closed down. “There 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 down,” he said.

The closure comes two days after another renowned nightclub in Vagator, Goya Club, was closed down for alleged violations.

How Goa nightclub fire tragedy unfolded?

A massive fire ripped through the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub at Arpora in North Goa in the early hours of December 6, leaving 25 people dead, including 20 staffers and five tourists.

Brothers and co-owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, who had left for Phuket in Thailand shortly after the fire incident, have been detained there and authorities have initiated deportation proceeding against them, according to officials. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice had been issued against them.

Goa announces stringent safety norms

Police have arrested arrested six people so far, including managers and staff members of the nightclub, while 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 pm.

Chief 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 season.

What are the new safety rules?

Under 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 inside nightclubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, beach shacks and all other event venues across Goa.