Maharashtra: The Thane City Police have renewed a mandatory character verification requirement for all staff employed in bars and permit rooms under their jurisdiction, tightening compliance rules for nightlife establishments across Thane, Maharashtra. The directive, issued under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, is aimed at strengthening background checks, improving public safety, and preventing employment of individuals with recent criminal records in sensitive hospitality environments.
According to the order issued by the Thane City Police Commissionerate, no establishment will be permitted to hire or continue employing individuals who have a criminal record from the past 10 years without prior police approval. The rule applies to all categories of bar staff, including bouncers, waiters, security personnel, and support workers operating in bars and permit rooms.
The renewed directive, effective from April 24 to June 22, 2026, also reinforces operational guidelines governing nightlife establishments. Police officials said the move is part of routine enforcement but has been re-emphasised to ensure stricter compliance in view of repeated violations observed during inspections in commercial zones.
Under the order, bar owners are required to ensure that all employees undergo police verification through local police stations before or during employment. The verification process includes identity confirmation, residential address checks, and criminal background screening based on official records maintained by law enforcement agencies. Employers must retain verification certificates as part of their compliance documentation for inspection during police audits.
The directive also introduces additional security and monitoring measures. Establishments must ensure that any incident involving the forceful removal of unruly or intoxicated patrons is recorded on video, while CCTV footage from critical areas such as entrances, seating sections, and counters must be preserved for at least 30 days. These records are subject to police review during inspections.
Operational restrictions have also been reiterated. All bars and permit rooms are required to close by 1:30 am, with last orders for food and alcohol to be served by 1:15 am. Indoor music must stop by closing time, while outdoor entertainment is restricted to earlier evening hours. Authorities said these measures are intended to regulate public order and minimise disturbances in residential and commercial zones.
The order places significant responsibility on bar owners, making them accountable for maintaining law and order within their premises, including ensuring the safety and dignity of customers, particularly women. Establishments are also required to manage parking and crowd movement outside their premises to prevent public inconvenience.
Additionally, bars hosting foreign performers must notify police in advance and submit travel and identity documentation, including passport and visa details. The display of “No Drugs Allowed” signage has been made compulsory, along with strict enforcement of age verification norms for entry and alcohol service.
Police officials said that violations of the order may attract criminal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with possible cancellation of licences in serious cases. The enforcement mechanism will include periodic inspections and compliance checks by local police stations under the Thane jurisdiction.
Authorities stated that the renewed order is intended to strengthen accountability in hiring practices and ensure safer nightlife operations in the region. While similar verification requirements already exist under Maharashtra police licensing frameworks, officials said the reinforcement aims to address gaps in compliance and improve enforcement consistency across establishments.
The directive is expected to remain in force for the specified period, with continued monitoring by Thane Police across all licensed bars and permit rooms.
