Bengaluru: Gastropub, live music joint Take 5 shuts down

Bengaluru: Take 5,  a gastropub well known for its  live music and shows on 100 ft Road, Indiranagar, was shut down on the evening of  August 27 after its final show as it reportedly did not meet the requirements of the government guidelines issued for pubs with live bands.

A senior police officer said Take 5 could not provide the relevant documents like the occupancy certificate and shut down voluntarily. Going by him there could be more such closures in future too. “We plan to hold a meeting with the BBMP soon and will take necessary measures to ensure that pubs like these that do not have the necessary documents are shut down,” he said.

The government has issued guidelines for pubs with live bands or loud music , which include no objection and occupancy certificates for their continued operation.  An employee of Take 5 claims it shut down because it did not have an occupancy certificate. “The owners have decided to shut it down and we don’t  know if we are shifting or not opening at all,”  he added.

Whatever be the reason, the closure of  the pub has hit its employees  hard. “We don’t know if it will be reopened elsewhere. It could be a long process as finding a suitable place is not easy. But we are hoping that it will be reopened as Take 5 has made a mark in the city and we would love to keep it running,” said one anxious staff member.

But for the people of Indiranagar, news of the closure is music to their ears.  Said a resident of Defence Colony, “Everyone likes music, but there is a way to play it. The Supreme Court order says there cannot  be  loud music after 10 pm. But here it is played much beyond the permissible time, disturbing the old, the sick and  young children, who are studying.”

Also welcoming the closure of noisy pubs, Mr Akshay, another resident of Defence Colony says he loved going to them, but objects to their presence in residential areas. “If these pubs want to function they need to follow the rules and regulations . If they don’t, they need to be shut down,” he added firmly.

Could sound proofing  pubs be a solution? Singer and musician from the city, Rickson Ranjit, doesn’t think so.  “Sound proofing pubs, where live or recorded music is played, could be an expensive affair. It could also leave customers feeling claustrophobic,” he reasoned.