Taking serious note of the recent fire accident at a restobar at Dattagalli in the city, Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy on Friday directed officials to identify and take action against bars and restaurants operating from temporary structures on second and third floors without adequate fire safety measures.

Presiding over a meeting at his office, Mr. Reddy ordered a comprehensive inspection of such establishments and asked officials to submit a report within a week. He directed the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) and urban local bodies to inspect rooftop pubs and restaurants, many of which use thatched roofing, decorative lighting and other combustible materials without complying with fire safety norms.

The DC said fire accidents can occur without warning and instructed authorities to initiate action, including cancellation of trade licences, against establishments found violating safety regulations.

The Deputy Commissioner also directed the Excise Department to intensify inspections of bars, pubs and restaurants in Mysuru city and its outskirts to check violations such as sale of liquor without valid licences and operations not in conformity with licence conditions. He warned that officials would also be held accountable for lapses in enforcement.

Referring to instances of establishments allegedly advertising liquor sales online and through signboards without obtaining the required excise licences, he asked the department to take immediate action as per rules.

Mr. Reddy said the Fire and Emergency Services Department will conduct a one-day training programme for MCC and Excise officials on fire safety requirements that must be verified while processing licence applications. The Deputy Commissioner said applications should be rejected at the outset if mandatory fire safety measures are not in place.

Police Commissioner Seema Latkar assured police support during inspections and raids conducted by the MCC and Excise Department.

Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi pointed to the possibility of unauthorised liquor sales at homestays and restaurants located along ring roads and urged the Excise Department to carry out regular inspections.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Yukesh Kumar, Fire Officer Gururaj and other officials were present at the meeting.