delhi

Updated: May 21, 2018 16:40 IST

Delhi government’s decisionto ban the playing of recorded music at about 900 restaurants across the city that serve alcohol, has left divided Twitter

The new rule allows only live bands to play at such establishments. The excise department said on Sunday that the decision was taken after residents complained of noise from pubs in places such as Khan Market, Defence Colony and Rajouri Garden.

Several Twitter users questioned the logic behind the ruling, asking the authorities to explain “sound pollution when temples, mosques and Gurudwaras blatantly exploit loudspeakers?”

@ArvindKejriwal Sir, with all due respect, you think this is logical? Instead of making this city more happening & attractive for tourists, we are going in the opposite direction. Isn't sound pollution a problem when temples, mosques and Gurudwaras blatantly exploit loudspeakers? — Fabulously Nebulous (@kickrunexplore) May 21, 2018

A few users pointed out that live music could be loud too. However, the government also found support in a few users who approved of the decision, saying it was a good opportunity to support new talent. A couple of users wanted smoking and alcohol consumption also banned.Some people were of the opinion that sound levels should be monitored, instead of a blanket ban on recorded music.

So banning recorded music is right because live music is soft & can be controlled...death of common sense.. what about EDM, can that be played LIVE...and what will DJs do.. jam on Delhi metro stations?? not a wise decision..not expected @AamAadmiParty @ArvindKejriwal #Delhi — Prashant Jain (@bigtimefoodie) May 21, 2018

If seen from a perspective,few restrictions are good.



It paves way for a new modern culture in our society where new talent will get platform to show what they've got.



Bad news for #Delhi #restro-bars: Govt warns against playing recorded songs, music

https://t.co/A23XBNAUAo — Sachin Badhan (@isachinbadhan) May 21, 2018

When asked how live music was less noisy than recorded music, Delhi’s excise commissioner Amjad Tak said that live performances were was “softer” and “controlled”, without giving reasons or data for how he had arrived at the conclusion.

Sample a few more Twitter reactions:

Delhi has banned recorded music in pubs allowing only live bands to perform.



Reason: residents living in the area complained of noise.



I don't think Delhi's administration understands how live band performances really work. — #NotAllAreTen (@_JustJoking) May 21, 2018

This happens only in India where babus decide what is good for us. The Excise Commissioner of Delhi actually has not heard of amps and mixers. In any event it is not his remit to choose the music. Next what? Size of the glass? Sharp comment by @madmanweb https://t.co/s1AoK9zlwA — Kanchan Gupta (@KanchanGupta) May 21, 2018

Glad to see Indian authorities focused on solving the problems holding back the country, namely the playing of recorded music in Delhi venues serving alcohol. On a par with child malnutrition as an issue the people want to see tackled, I imagine. https://t.co/eyRurTKEiY — Stanley Pignal (@spignal) May 21, 2018

So noise is not ok but screaming is ? — mukesh vig (@vigmukesh) May 21, 2018