Hyderabad -- The Tales Over Spirit (TOS) pub in Banjara Hills was raided by Hyderabad police during the night of October 18, revealing that it was operating without a valid pub license. According to police reports, the establishment only held a restaurant and bar license, and was unlawfully converting the venue into a dance bar, which is prohibited in India. The operation led to the arrest of 140 individuals, including 42 female dancers, as the pub was found to be engaging in illegal activities that included unethical hiring practices aimed at enticing male patrons.
The management was reportedly charging patrons inflated bills, profiting from the unlawful activities that took place within the premises. In a concerted effort to crack down on such practices, police seized a DJ system, mobile phones, 187.5 liters of liquor valued at Rs 2,50,000, swiping machines, and cash during the raid. The arrested individuals, which included customers, dancers, and management staff, were subsequently taken to the Banjara police station for further investigation.
This raid marks the third establishment in Hyderabad to be shut down this year for operating as an illegal dance bar. Earlier in the year, the Urvasi Bar and Restaurant in Begumpet and the After 9 Pub in Banjara Hills faced similar actions from law enforcement, highlighting an ongoing issue with venues disguising themselves as legitimate businesses while engaging in illicit activities. Notably, among the 42 women arrested from TOS, ten had previously been apprehended in connection with similar cases at the After 9 Pub and Urvashi Bar. The Hyderabad police have reiterated their commitment to combating illegal dance bars and protecting the rights of women, as they continue their investigation into the TOS pub and its management practices.
