Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Dec 14: Goa’s nightlife is facing a major crackdown ahead of the Christmas and New Year season, with the state government launching an intensive inspection drive against nightclubs flouting safety and licensing norms following a deadly fire that claimed 25 lives.

As the coastal state prepares for its busiest tourist period, several nightclubs in the North Goa tourism belt have already been shut, while the fate of many others remains uncertain. Teams comprising officials from the district administration, fire and emergency services and police have begun inspecting nightlife establishments, officials said on Sunday.

The action follows the December 6 fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora in North Goa, which left 25 people dead. Authorities said the inspection teams have been empowered to immediately seal any club found violating rules.

“We are inspecting all the nightclubs and checking their licences and permissions. Any establishment found flouting norms is being sealed,” government officer Kabir Shirgaonkar, who is heading the inspection drive, said.

So far, two prominent nightclubs — Goya Club and Cafe CO2 Goa at Vagator — have been sealed. Officials said Goya Club was constructed on agricultural land, while Cafe CO2 Goa lacked the mandatory No Objection Certificate from the Fire and Emergency Services Department and was found to be structurally unsafe. Cafe CO2 Goa is located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea.

In another action, the Fire and Emergency Services Department has ordered the revocation of the fire safety clearance granted to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna. A surprise inspection at the premises revealed that existing fire prevention and safety arrangements were inadequate and required immediate upgradation, according to an order issued by Divisional Fire Officer Shripad Gawas.

The intensified crackdown comes as authorities aim to prevent any recurrence of tragedy during the peak festive and tourist season in the state.