In the wake of the tragic nightclub fire in Goa that resulted in 25 fatalities, bars and pubs across Kolkata are significantly ramping up their fire-safety protocols. The recent emphasis on drills and mandatory audits has been further intensified by local authorities, especially after the devastating fire at Rituraj Hotel on April 29, which caused 14 deaths and left numerous individuals injured.
Authorities Crack Down on Compliance
A senior official from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) stated that compliance with all regulatory steps, including fire safety measures, will be strictly verified before issuing or renewing any trade licences. The fire safety committee, led by Mayor Firhad Hakim, is empowered to conduct inspections or even surprise raids on establishments to ensure rules are being followed.
This proactive stance comes after the KMC and Kolkata Police identified and listed approximately 89 rooftop bars and restaurants for close monitoring. The list notably includes some restaurants from Stephen Court, a building that witnessed a catastrophic fire back in 2010.
Pub Owners Take Responsibility
Recognizing the critical need for self-regulation, several establishment owners are taking matters into their own hands. Manish Sharma, owner of the popular chain Desi Lane which has outlets in Madhyamgram, Topsia, and Esplanade, emphasized that safety is ultimately the owner's responsibility.
"It is not feasible for the government to inspect every single restaurant, bar, or pub. Their role is to ensure norms are followed. At Desi Lane, we conduct regular audits and drills to keep all our safety mechanisms up to date," Sharma explained. He confirmed that fire-safety audits were completed at their Esplanade and Madhyamgram outlets just three days ago.
A Park Street nightclub owner echoed this sentiment, stating that the lessons from past tragedies have been clear. "Our learning started from the Stephen Court fire. Maintaining a required number of fire extinguishers and clearly marked safety exits is crucial for protecting everyone—customers and staff alike," the owner said.
Recent Scares Reinforce Urgency
The urgency of these measures was underscored by a recent fire at a coffee shop on Park Street on August 8 around 9:15 PM. While the incident led to no casualties, eight people, including three customers, had a narrow escape. Patrons at neighboring restaurants were forced to evacuate abruptly during their meals.
For some establishments, the wake-up call came from an even more direct experience. Hoppipola, located in Acropolis Mall, was deeply affected by a fire that broke out on the mall's fourth floor in 2024. Although no injuries occurred and everyone was evacuated safely, the panic it caused among diners and shoppers left a lasting impact.
"Ever since the 2024 incident, we have increased our fire-safety drills from once a year to once every six months. Beyond the mall's drills, we as a pub chain conduct our own. Staff undergo training every few months to ensure they are prepared to assist if an emergency arises," said Argha Sen, manager at Hoppipola Acropolis.
Sen also revealed that the fire led to a significant dip in customer footfall for about six months, highlighting how such incidents affect business viability and staff morale alongside safety.
The collective response from Kolkata's hospitality sector and civic authorities signals a determined effort to prevent future tragedies, making fire safety a non-negotiable priority in the city's vibrant social scene.
