Prem Singh Tamang, the chief minister of Sikkim, has ordered all pubs and discos in the state to shut down by 11 p.m., threatening to revoke the license of any establishment that is discovered to remain open after that hour. The state government made the move in an attempt to protect Sikkim’s cultural legacy and allay growing public safety worries. “We need to protect our heritage, customs, and culture. Even in this era of laptops and computers, we may still have fun and visit pubs and discos, but we must exercise moderation. Limits must exist,” CM Tamang stated.
The closure order comes in response to a rise in late-night collisions, many involving drunk drivers, including fatalities. “Four police officers have been among the many people who have died recently. “These tragic events have been exacerbated by the late-night hours of pubs and discos,” CM Tamang stated. He has directed IPS Akshay Sachdeva, the recently appointed Director General of Police (DGP), to severely implement the curfew.
“I ask that all pub and disco owners shut down their businesses by 11:00 p.m. The Chief Minister stated that no venue should stay open past 11 PM, even though they might continue to operate till then. Additionally, he issued a warning that owners and local law enforcement officials who disobey the order will face harsh penalties, including the instant revocation of their licenses.