Mumbai: In a decisive move following the recent blaze at a Goa nightclub, the state government on Wednesday imposed a sweeping ban on firecrackers, electronic fireworks, and all fire-based performances across hotels, pubs, nightclubs, and restaurants. The order—effective immediately—marks one of the strictest safety crackdowns in the state’s tourism sector in recent years.
The emergency measure comes amid heightened public concern during the peak holiday rush, prompting Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to convene a high-level review meeting at Mantralaya. The meeting focused on overhauling safety protocols and reinforcing Goa’s reputation as a secure and tourist-friendly destination.
After the meeting, Sawant assured that the government “will not allow a repeat” of incidents like the Birch nightclub fire. He directed departments and industry stakeholders to adopt stringent preventive mechanisms and enhance coordination, especially as the festive season approaches.
Sawant ordered monitoring teams to intensify inspections across beach belts, waterfalls, nightlife corridors, and all high-footfall tourism zones. Only establishments with valid licences and full compliance records will be allowed to operate, he stressed.
The Chief Minister further instructed nightlife venues, restaurants, and clubs to ensure up-to-date fire and safety audits. Liquor-serving establishments must adhere strictly to authorised operating hours, with immediate licence cancellation for violations. He also mandated compulsory police verification for employees hired across all tourism-linked businesses.
Visitors, meanwhile, were urged to follow lifeguard instructions at designated beaches. Sawant highlighted that Goa remains the only state equipped with professionally trained lifeguards along its entire coastline, ensuring continuous safety for tourists.
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