Bangalore:
Eminent Bangaloreans at a panel discussion on Tuesday were divided over whether the city needs a vibrant night life and that liquor should be allowed after 11.30 pm. While some were of the view that restaurants should be open beyond midnight, others felt that it would only lead to unnecessary trouble.
The panelists in the discussion on 'Does cosmopolitan Bangalore need a more vibrant night life?' included Ajai Kumar Singh, DGP of Karnataka, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, member, Rajya Sabha, Prem Koshy, restaurateur and Prasad Bidappa, image and fashion consultant.
"Bangalore is a collection of traditions, communities and we need to be sensitive to it. We cannot have a bar situated in the middle of a residential area, which will affect family life," Rajeev Chandrasekhar said. He also argued that he disliked the city being called as the pub capital of India.
However, it was countered by the fact that in an attempt to move away from the city because of the 11.30 pm curfew, many youngsters drive back from the outskirts, which poses a threat to them.
"Bangalore deserves a better nightlife. It is not only about clubs and drinking. We need markets, shopping areas and libraries to be open at late hours. Every person follows a different time zone and rigid restrictions cannot be imposed. There needs to be more freedom of expression," opined Bidappa.
"As a restaurateur, it is my responsibility to make sure that customers reach home safely. In other countries, there are certified bartenders who understand the consequences if the person has had several drinks. In fact, their vehicle keys are taken away and they are dropped back home," said Prem Koshy while debating on the issue of drunk driving.
"However, by choosing to shut down early, we have taken something out of Bangalore," he added.
DGP Singh said that nightlife has been equated with pubs, which was an insult to the culture of Karnataka.
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