Bar Owners In Bhubaneswar, Cuttack Barred From Engaging Bouncers With Criminal Record

Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police has issued a set of restrictions barring employment of private security personnel, known as bouncers, by the bar owners in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack without prior verification of their character and antecedents.

Issued ahead of the Durga Puja festival by the Police Commissionerate, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, the order will be effective from September 7 and remain in force for a period of 60 days up to November 5.

Seeking strict compliance, the order said that no bar owner shall appoint any person as private security, whether known as bouncer or otherwise, without prior verification of the character and antecedents.

Bar owners are required to appoint any person as private security only from private security agencies registered under PSARA Act.

They should also inform the local Police Station about persons engaged for security purposes in writing.

These security personnel employed in such establishment are subject to the ordinary legal rules regarding the use of force, the order said, adding that these security personnel can perform tasks permitted by law.

In case of need they can inform Police by calling 112.  In no circumstances the act of these personnel can infringe upon the fundamental right of the customer, the order added.

“The order shall come into force with effect from 07.09.2022 and shall remain in force for a period of 60 days i.e. up to 05.11.2022 (both days inclusive) unless withdrawn earlier. Any individual/association contravening this order, shall be, punishable under the provision of law,” the order further read.

The order seemed to have been issued as some bars in the twin city have reportedly employed bouncers facing criminal cases. It is feared that there is likelihood of danger from these bouncers to the life and safety of the customers.