Attack on rooftop pubs, restaurants lacking fire protection measures

Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy presiding over a meeting on enforcement of fire safety norms in buildings in Mysuru on Friday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy took a serious note of the recent fire at a restobar in Dattagalli in the city and on Friday directed officials to identify and take action against bars and restaurants operating from temporary structures on the second and third floors without adequate fire protection measures.

Presiding over a meeting in his office, Mr. Reddy ordered a comprehensive inspection of such facilities and asked officials to submit a report within a week. He directed the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) and the city’s local bodies to inspect rooftop pubs and restaurants, many of which use thatched roofs, decorative lighting and other flammable materials without following fire safety norms.

The DC said fires can occur without warning and ordered authorities to initiate action, including cancellation of business licenses, against businesses that flout safety regulations.

The Deputy Commissioner has also directed the Excise Department to intensify inspections of bars, pubs and restaurants in Mysuru city and its outskirts to check violations such as sale of liquor without valid licenses and establishments not complying with license conditions. He warned that officials will also be held accountable for deficiencies in enforcement.

Citing instances where businesses allegedly advertised the sale of liquor online and through hoardings without obtaining the required excise licenses, he asked the department to take immediate action as per the rules.

Mr. Reddy said the Fire and Emergency Services Department will conduct a one-day training program for MCC and Excise officials on fire safety requirements that must be verified while processing license applications. The deputy commissioner said applications should be rejected at the outset unless mandatory fire safety measures are put in place.

Police Commissioner Seema Latkar assured police support during inspections and raids conducted by MCC and Excise Department.

Police Inspector Mallikarjun Baladandi pointed out the possibility of unauthorized sale of liquor in hostels and restaurants located along the ring roads and urged the Excise Department to conduct regular inspections.

Zilla Panchayat CEO Yukesh Kumar, Fire Officer Gururaj and other officials were present in the meeting.

Published – 19 Jun 2026 20:14 IST