The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has taken strict action against two prominent establishments in the state capital for flouting municipal regulations. The civic body has issued a show cause notice to the popular Vibes nightclub and the unique Fly Sky Dining restaurant for operating their businesses without holding valid trade licences.
Official Notice and Deadline
CCP Commissioner Clen Madeira has directed the notice to Anil Hoble, the owner of the property where both businesses are housed. The notice explicitly demands a response within a strict period of seven days. The action is based on a site inspection carried out by the CCP's municipal inspector on December 10.
The inspection revealed that neither Vibes nor Fly Sky Dining possessed the mandatory trade licence required under Section 322 of the City of Panaji Corporation Act, 2002. In the notice, Commissioner Madeira stated, "You are hereby directed to show cause within a period of seven days as to why action against you should not be initiated, failing which the corporation will be compelled to issue directions to seal your premises for carrying out trade without a licence."
Background and Wider Safety Crackdown
This enforcement drive is not an isolated incident. It was initiated in the wake of the tragic fire at a nightclub in Arpora, which has prompted authorities across Goa to scrutinise safety and regulatory compliance. In a related move, the CCP has also written to the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). The letter requests a comprehensive list of all enterprises operating within Panaji that have been issued a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC).
This location has a controversial past. In 2023, Goa police arrested three individuals for allegedly running a prostitution racket at a pub that was previously operating at the same site where Vibes now stands, along the Ribandar-Panaji causeway.
Implications and Next Steps
The current notice places the onus squarely on the property owner and business operators to provide a valid explanation for the licence lapse. If they fail to respond satisfactorily within the stipulated week, the CCP has made it clear that it will not hesitate to order the sealing of the premises. This action underscores a broader crackdown on unlicensed commercial activities in the city, especially in the hospitality and entertainment sectors, following heightened concerns over public safety.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how Panaji's civic body deals with similar violations in the future, as it seeks to enforce order and ensure all businesses operate within the legal framework.
