It's not the time to disco

FOR 18-something clubhoppers in the city, all’s not well. While youngsters below the age of 21 will now not be allowed entry into night-clubs and pubs, those above the legal age will have to produce liquor licences or proof of age.
While most under-21s are up in arms against this ruling, their parents are heaving a sigh of relief.
Anjali Shahani, mother of two daughters, one of whom is 18-years-old, is more than pleased with the ruling.“Youngsters have easy access to many vices at clubs and discotheques. At that age, they are prone to getting carried away, but when they are older, they can differentiate between right and wrong,� says Anjali, adding that it’s about time such a ruling came into place. “Countries such as America and other developed nations also have such laws, so why not here?� she asks.
Dr Vidya Deodhar, principal, Ness Wadia College of Arts & Commerce, feels this is a good move, but is doubtful of its practicality. “Students have ways and means of bypassing these laws. In any case, I’m quite hopeful of the present generation of students. They’re a smart lot and know where to draw the line,� she avers.
S P Mule, deputy superintendent, State Excise Department, says, “So far, we haven’t received any circular stating when and how this ruling will be implemented. A provision for such a ruling is there, but when and how it will be implemented will be decided in a few days, Only then can I comment on it.
Anil Deshmukh, state excise minister warns that if an underage person is found at a bar, the bar owner will be penalised and the license cancelled. The underage person will be required to give a bond in writing that the mistake won’t be repeated and his/her parents will be informed. Club-owners, on the other hand, seem to be in denial as far as under-age people coming to their clubs is concerned. Irrespective of the fact that youth PT spoke to, have been partying at these very spots in Pune.
Surender Vanam, manager, Ten Downing Street (TDS), says, “Only about 10-15 per cent of our clientele constitute people below the age of 21, so this ruling is not really going to affect our business.
In any case, we are going to put up a board warning under-21s to stay away and we will also be asking for IDs.� Ask him if he’s pro the ruling and Vanam says, “I definitely think this is a good ruling because people under 21 should concentrate on studying and moulding their careers.�
Ivo Trojic, proprietor of one of the most popular nightclubs in the city, says only a negligible number of underage people come to his club.
“More than anything else, I think our cover charge discourages a lot of youngsters. But I think this is an appropriate ruling, as the same law exists in almost every other country,� Ivo says. Sanjeet Lamba, owner, Thousand Oaks, adds, “We never serve alcohol to people who are under-age and ask for IDs at the entrance. I’m all for this ruling. After all, who would like their 16 or 18 year-old son or daughter getting drunk?�
According to Rishi Chopra, director, food & beverages, Le Meridien, at Club Scream, the average age of party-goers is between 25-38. “In fact, we have very few youngsters coming here. I personally feel that once youngsters hits the age of 20, they tend to be a little more responsible. So I think 21 is a good age for them to party.� The youth are anything but buying the story.
Mahek Shahani, 17, says, “I don’t think this a good move. If we don’t party now, when will we do it? This is the age to party. When we grow older, we’re going to have to concentrate on work, not partying!�
Hormuzd Pundole, 19, adds, “This is bad. We know where to draw the line.We’re not stupid.�
Bhavesh Agarwal, 18, calls the rule stupid. “How can you stop people from partying? All this while we’ve been waiting to turn 18 so we can party and now we get to know we can’t enter a night-club until we are 21,� he fumes.
zahrakhan@indiatimes.com
PARENTHESIS: “At that age, they are prone to getting carried away�
CLUB CLASS: “I think this is an appropriate ruling, as the same law exists in almost every other country�
YOUTH CALL: “This is bad.We know where to draw the line�
OFFICIAL SPEAK: “We are waiting for the official ruling and then we will act�