Bengaluru: In a special late-night operation conducted by the Bengaluru Police, 19 bars and restaurants were found to be violating rules and engaging in "illegal" activities by illegally employing female servers, officials said on Friday.
The raids were carried out on Thursday night after Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh received reliable information that several bars and restaurants in the city's western zone were engaging in illegal activities by illegally employing female servers, he said.
Based on the information, 11 special police teams have been formed in the western zone.
The special raids were conducted on these bars and restaurants, which fall under the jurisdiction of Upparpete, Cottonpete, Kalasipalya, Cubbon Park and Ashoknagar police stations, the police said.
“During the raid, 19 bars and restaurants were found to have female servers dressed provocatively and standing indecently near customers’ tables, who were found to have been hired in violation of rules. Further violations were observed, including absence of female security guards and lack of cleanliness in the kitchen areas. Proper smoking zones were not designated or maintained and operating beyond the permitted hours,” Bengaluru Police said in a statement.
According to the police, customers who violated COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act) rules were fined on the spot.
A report has been filed against the owners of the bars and restaurants with the respective police stations for further legal action.
“Another noteworthy point is that these violations are not limited to police rules, but also relate to the health and excise departments. The relevant departments have been informed for appropriate action against these violations. Strict monitoring will continue on these commercial establishments in the coming days. If they are found violating the rules again, their licenses will be cancelled,” it warned.
The police have requested the public to call the helpline number 112 in case of any inconvenience or any such violations and have assured that the identity of the informant will be kept confidential.