Industry body opposes ban on live orchestras at Daman hotels

Hotels and Restaurants Association of Western India (HRAWI) has opposed the ban on live orchestras in hotels, bars and restaurants in the Union Territory of Daman, saying the move would harm tourism. "The administration claims there may be cases of illegal activities under the pretext of live orchestras, but this is baseless and merely presumptive.

"Assuming that all live orchestras indulge in such practices is arbitrary and sets a bad precedent. Many hotels and restaurants which have invested heavily in capital and time to set up infrastructure are now in a soup due to this ban," HRAWI President Bharat Malkani said in a statement.

The Daman Deputy Collector's office had recently issued a circular revoking permit for live orchestras in hotels, bars and restaurants. Preventing Daman from becoming "a hub for prostitution and other illegal activities" has been cited as the reason for the ban.

"We support the administration for its stand against illegal activities under the disguise of live performances. The law should be vigilant and should take action against erring establishments who bring a bad name to the region.

However, we request the administration to look at the flip side of the decision and reconsider banning all establishments from conducting business ethically," Malkani said.