The Karaoke and Live Music Association of Thimphu has raised concerns over the impact of the recent surge in mega festival events on their business. According to the association, such events affect their businesses as the festivals can operate even late into the night and without imposing any age limit on the audience, unlike the licenced entertainment businesses.
In a letter addressed to the Thimphu Thrompon, the association expressed their concern over the consequences of the mega music events. They say such events have been approved and organised without complying with regulations. Moreover, they also said that there is no proper monitoring of such events.
“The Entertainment Licensing Committee (ELC) monitors the karaoke bars and has criteria that the karaoke bars have to meet. However, the mega festival events do not have to adhere to any of those requirements. There is even no age limit for the audience and there are no exhaust fans or a smoking room,” said Gyem Dorji, President of Bhutan Karaoke and Live Music Association.
The President of Karaoke and Live Music Association added that the licenced entertainment businesses have to pay high rental charges, put in security infrastructure and install audio-visuals to operate their businesses. Moreover, he added that there is inconsistency in operating hours.
“The difficulties we face are timing as the mega festivals run till 3 am and those with a legal business licence run till midnight. Since people prefer having a place to stay out late, they choose to go to the festivals. Therefore, we get very few customers.”
The Karaoke and Live Music Association also raised several questions regarding fees or taxes paid by such events, the procedures in place for their approval, whether they are licence holders or not, and the transparency and bidding process.
In addition, concerns have been raised by a few residents of the core town about the safety and the disturbance caused by such events in Changlimithang.
“I live near Norzin Lam and for ten days the music would be played till 1 or even 4 am every night which caused a lot of disturbance. We couldn’t get proper sleep. Minors, as young as eleven-year-olds can be seen drinking and smoking,” said a resident.
BBS reached out to Thimphu Thromde regarding the matter but could not get a comment.
Karma Samten Wangda
