The TTDC has also sought to extend the closing time for nightlife during the run-up to Nepal Tourism Year 2011
SANGAM PRASAIN
KATHMANDU, SEP 14 -
No one under 18 will be allowed to drink in a bar in Thamel under new regulations being planned by the Thamel Tourism Development Council (TTDC).
Young people will be asked to produce ID as proof of age before being allowed entry into pubs or bars. Watering holes in the popular tourist hub will also be required to display a sign saying “Minors strictly prohibited from drinking” at the entrance.
The ban on under-age drinking is one of the moves TTDC has proposed in a bid to rejuvenate the business environment at Thamel that has been marred of late by bar fights and insecurity. The TTDC has also sought to extend the closing time for nightlife during the run-up to Nepal Tourism Year 2011. The police have intensified surveillance at Thamel following incidents of prostitution, drug dealing and other criminal activities. Local traders said that the number of quality tourists visiting the area had plunged due to security concerns and unhealthy practices. They added that their earnings had dropped by as much as 50 percent.
“The closing time set by the government for night time entertainment could affect business during NTY 2011,” said Tejendra Shrestha,
president of the Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal and past president of the TTDC. “Hence, we are making major reforms to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for revellers,”
he added. Another reform being planned by the TTDC is banning minors from performing in live entertainment shows at dance restaurants. “We are discussing this issue with the security authorities,” said Shrestha.
Controlling noise pollution is another improvement on the TTDC’s agenda. “We are discussing installing soundproofing systems in dance
bars and pubs which remain open
till the late hours,” said Shrestha.
The council is also mulling making Thamel a “horn free zone”.
With these improvements in place, the TTDC plans to extend the closing time for nightlife till 1 a.m. If things go well, the time limit may be extended further till 2 a.m.
Entrepreneurs have supported
the TTDC’s planned reforms. “Introducing the ID system at bars will be effective in controlling undesirable activities as it is mandatory all over the world,” said Ashok Pokhrel, owner of Rum Doodle Restaurant.
“The security personnel should also be more responsible while behaving with tourists,” Pokhrel added. “The government has set the closing time for bars and discotheques, but it does not mean that the police can come and create problems for tourists.” Rukma Kunwar, in-charge of the Metropolitan Police Sector, Sorhakhutte, said that they had had a discussion with entrepreneurs in this regard.
“The initiative will be effective in controlling criminal activities, however, implementation will be difficult.” He added that the police were positive to the TTDC’s proposals. There are more than 500 hotels, lodges and guesthouses and nearly 1,000 restaurants, bars, shops and agencies in Thamel.
