Bhubaneswar: The Excise Department has granted conditional permission to 14 dance bars in the city allowing dance and music performances by women till midnight.
With the Commissionerate Police imposing strict COVID guidelines, the bars have remained closed for the last two years despite the department’s permission.
According to sources, the dance bars have been asked to comply with the fire safety norms and other provisions laid down under the Excise Rules. Only eight dancers will be allowed to perform on the 10/12 ft dance floor, which will be enclosed by a 3 ft railing. A minimum distance of 5 ft has to be maintained between the performance stage and the guests, who are also barred from throwing money at the dancers. Women below the age of 21 years cannot be engaged as dancers in the bars.
Most of these dance bars are on Cuttack Road.
