A statewide crackdown on nightlife establishments in Goa has intensified after the December 6 fire at Birch by Romeo Lane claimed 25 lives, prompting authorities to seal at least two major clubs for violations uncovered during inspections. One of the latest closures is Café CO2 Goa, a popular cliff-top venue overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator. A government-appointed inspection team found that the club, which can accommodate around 250 people, was operating without a mandatory no-objection certificate from the Fire and Emergency Services Department.
Officials further reported concerns about the structural stability of the property and noted that the club had expanded its construction beyond approved limits. These violations collectively led to the decision to shut the establishment. The action follows the sealing of Goya Club in Vagator just two days earlier, signalling heightened scrutiny across Goa’s tourism belt.
The investigation into the catastrophic Birch nightclub fire has already resulted in six arrests, including several members of the club’s management and staff. Meanwhile, owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra were detained in Phuket, Thailand, where deportation proceedings are underway.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Goa government has introduced strict new safety regulations for nightclubs, restaurants, beach shacks, hotels and other public venues. All establishments must secure valid fire safety certifications, obtain fire-department NOCs and ensure the presence of operational smoke detectors, sprinklers, hydrants and extinguishers. Emergency exits must remain clear at all times, supported by illuminated signage, evacuation maps and functioning emergency lighting.
The new rules also impose limits on occupancy levels to prevent overcrowding and include a complete ban on fireworks, pyrotechnics and sparklers inside any entertainment venue. Liquor sales have been restricted after 11 pm. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has warned that any establishment failing to comply with these measures faces immediate sealing and cancellation of licences, as the government prepares for the high-traffic Christmas and New Year season with a zero-tolerance approach to safety lapses.
