With the growing entertainment establishments at Gelephu Thromde in Sarpang, the Thromde authority has now made it compulsory for such establishments to deploy bouncers at their entrances from this month. This, the Thrompon says is to ensure safety and also prevent underage individuals from entering such establishments. There are currently three discotheques and 20 karaoke bars in Gelephu Thromde.
Although it is legally required for any kind of entertainment operator to deploy a bouncer at the entrance of their entertainment establishments, so far only a few of them have been complying with the regulation.
Now, with the Gelephu Thromde implementing the rule strictly, the office has made it mandatory for discotheque operators to deploy a male and a female bouncer at the entrance gate. Likewise, karaoke operators have to also keep at least one bouncer each.
Gelephu Thrompon, Tshering Norbu said, “There are possibilities of underage individuals visiting a discotheque or a karaoke. Some visitors may even bring weapons. So, there should be someone who can handle the situation if a problem arises. It is for the operator’s own wellbeing.”
While some of the entertainment centre operators supported the initiative, some were against it. Owners of such entertainment centres who didn’t want to come on camera said it would be a strain on their pockets to pay for bouncers.
All entertainment centres are allowed to operate until 3 in the morning.
Besides Bhutanese, people from across the border are seen visiting the centres. The border gate remains open round the clock.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Kipchu
