Alcohol will not be permitted in music concerts hereafter: Yogesh Kadam, Minister of State for Home

Minister of State for Home directs enquiry into the background of ‘Sunburn’

Mumbai – After the unfortunate deaths of youths at music concerts in Goregaon and Worli, the State Government has now taken strict steps. The State’s Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, said that the Home Department has decided that alcohol will not be permitted at any music concert in the State hereafter. Along with this, he has also directed officials to verify the complete information and past background of the controversial ‘Sunburn Festival’.

Mr Satish Sonar of the ‘Addiction-free campaign’ recently met Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam, discussed this serious issue and demanded action against the guilty. During this meeting, the Minister of State for Home informed him about the Government’s new policy.

Curbs on old permissions of the excise department; rules to become stricter

Earlier, the State Excise Department used to give permission for liquor sale at such music festivals, due to which improper incidents were taking place; however, Minister of State for Home Kadam clarified that rules have now been made stricter and alcohol will not be permitted at any such concert hereafter.

Rules alone are not enough, impose a permanent ban; Addiction-free campaign

Although the Minister of State for Home assured that the rules would be made stricter, Mr Satish Sonar of the Addiction-free campaign expressed dissatisfaction over this. Referring to the recent deaths of youths at Nesco in Goregaon and the N.S.C.I. Dome in Worli, Mr Sonar told the Minister of State for Home, “Merely making rules stricter will not do. From Goa to Mumbai, the history of Sunburn, which has become responsible for the deaths of youths, is extremely dark. This festival, which pushes the youth into the abyss of addiction with the strength of money, must be permanently banned in Maharashtra.”

DGP and officials ordered to conduct enquiry

Taking note of this demand by Mr Satish Sonar, Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam took immediate steps in this case. He directed the Director General of Police to conduct an enquiry and take action. He has also ordered the Home Department officials present to collect more detailed information about the organisers of ‘Sunburn’, their programmes so far and their background.