Noida: Ahead of New Year celebrations, the district administration has tightened safety norms for hotels, pubs, restaurants, clubs, banquet halls and farmhouses planning parties or performance events. Fire safety no-objection certificates (NOCs) and prior official permission have been made mandatory, with authorities warning of strict action, including cancellation of events and legal proceedings, in case of violations.
District Magistrate Medha Roopam said organizers must obtain prior approval for any festive event through the Nivesh Mitra portal.
A valid fire NOC, along with clearances related to electrical safety, ventilation and public safety arrangements, is compulsory for all events.
Medha Roopam, District Magistrate
The renewed focus on safety comes in the wake of a deadly fire at a nightclub in Goa earlier this month that claimed more than 20 lives, prompting administrations across the country to reassess preparedness at high-footfall venues.
In Noida, joint inspection drives were carried out on December 8 and 9, a day after the Goa incident. Teams comprising officials from the fire department, excise department and electrical safety wing inspected over 30 pubs and nightclubs across the district. Bar licences, fire safety certificates, kitchen layouts, wiring systems, electrical load capacity and firefighting equipment were thoroughly examined.
Inspections will be intensified in the run-up to year-end celebrations. High-footfall locations such as pubs, clubs, banquet halls and farmhouses are under special focus. A fire NOC is non-negotiable. Fire extinguishers, alarms and emergency exits must be fully functional and easily accessible.
Pradeep Choubey, Chief Fire Officer
Chaubey clarified that even permanent establishments are not exempt.
Bars, hotels, pubs and restaurants must have a permanent fire NOC valid for three years. However, for special events like New Year celebrations, a separate event-specific fire NOC is mandatory.
Pradeep Choubey, CFO
Venue operators have also been instructed to revisit emergency response plans and conduct mock drills to prepare staff for handling peak crowds.
Meanwhile, the excise department has made it mandatory to obtain an occasional bar licence for serving liquor at any private or commercial party. District Excise Officer Subodh Kumar said only liquor approved for sale in Uttar Pradesh is permitted.
If liquor from other states is found, or if any norms are violated, strict legal action will be taken under the Excise Act and other applicable laws.
Subodh Kumar, District Excise Officer