Goa authorities crack down on nightclubs after deadly birch fire

In the wake of the deadly fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub on December 6 that claimed 25 lives, Goa authorities have sealed multiple nightclubs and introduced stringent new safety regulations for tourist and entertainment establishments.

On Saturday, Cafe CO2 Goa , a popular nightclub on Vagator beach, was shut down after a state-appointed inspection revealed it lacked a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Fire and Emergency Services Department , had structural stability issues , and had extended construction beyond permissible limits. Earlier, Goya Club in the same area was also sealed for similar violations.

Police investigations into the Birch fire have so far led to the arrest of six staff and managers , while the owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra , remain detained in Thailand, with deportation proceedings underway. Preliminary findings indicate the tragedy was triggered by indoor pyrotechnics igniting flammable décor, and worsened by overcrowding and inadequate fire safety infrastructure.

In response, the Goa government has mandated strict fire safety compliance for all venues, including functional smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire hydrants, and extinguishers . Emergency exits, evacuation maps, signage, and lighting must be maintained at all times, and occupancy limits strictly enforced. The use of fireworks, sparklers, and pyrotechnics is now banned inside nightclubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, and beach shacks, while liquor sales after 11 pm are restricted.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant warned that establishments failing to comply with the new rules would face licence cancellations and sealing, particularly ahead of the high-footfall Christmas and New Year season . Authorities say these measures are aimed at preventing disasters like the Birch fire and ensuring the safety of patrons.