Goa nightclub fire: North Goa bans fireworks in nightclubs, hotels and tourist spots days after blaze killed 25

North Goa bans fireworks in tourist venues after the Arpora nightclub fire tragedy, introducing stricter fire safety measures across the hospitality sector. (Representative Image: AFP)

In a major safety crackdown following a catastrophic nightclub fire that claimed 25 lives, the North Goa district administration has imposed a sweeping ban on fireworks, sparklers, and pyrotechnic devices inside tourist establishments. The move comes after the deadly blaze at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, which broke out around midnight on December 6 and sent shockwaves through Goa’s tourism and nightlife sectors.

The order was issued on Wednesday evening as a precautionary measure during Goa’s peak tourist season, when nightclubs, beach shacks, event venues, and hotels witness high footfall from domestic and international visitors.

A senior district administration official stated, "The order has been issued under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, prohibiting the use, bursting, ignition or operation of fireworks, sparklers, pyrotechnic effects, flame thrower-type devices, smoke generators and similar fire/smoke-producing equipment inside tourist establishments."

The ban applies to:

• Nightclubs and bars
• Hotels, resorts, and guesthouses
• Restaurants and beach shacks
• Temporary event setups
• Indoor entertainment venues
• High-capacity tourist establishments

A preliminary inquiry revealed that “electric firecrackers” were used inside the nightclub, sparking an uncontrollable blaze that trapped dozens inside the packed venue. Officials say the pyrotechnics, intended to enhance the party ambience, in fact became the ignition source of one of Goa’s deadliest entertainment-related tragedies.

The ban is anchored in Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, a new legal framework that empowers local authorities to enforce safety measures in public spaces—especially those that attract large gatherings, such as nightclubs, bars, and entertainment venues.

Under this legislation:

• Authorities can prohibit hazardous activities in public venues.
• Inspections and compliance checks can be intensified.
• Violators can face heavy penalties or shutdown orders.
• Emergency safety measures can be imposed without delay.

This proactive enforcement reflects Goa’s broader commitment to strengthening public safety infrastructure across high-footfall tourism destinations.

Local enforcement teams will conduct routine inspections to ensure no banned pyrotechnic devices are used indoors. Establishments found violating the order may face strict penalties, including fines, suspension of operations, or cancellation of licenses.

In addition to the ban, tourist establishments will be required to upgrade fire safety infrastructure, including:

• Installation of sprinklers, alarms, and fire extinguishers
• Clearly marked and unobstructed emergency exits
• Regular testing of fire safety systems
• Fire safety training for all staff
• Mandatory compliance with fire audits and certification

The tragedy has put the spotlight on safety lapses within Goa’s nightlife and tourism ecosystem, where indoor fireworks, flame effects, and smoke machines have often been used for events without strict oversight.

The administration’s swift response is being viewed as a turning point in how Goa regulates nightlife entertainment, high-density tourist spaces, event management practices, and fire-safety compliance across the hospitality sector.

Authorities also plan to conduct public awareness campaigns to educate business owners, tourists, and event organisers about the risks associated with pyrotechnic devices in indoor spaces.

Goa’s tourism economy relies heavily on safe, vibrant nightlife and entertainment experiences. But after the Arpora nightclub fire, the government is making safety non-negotiable.

The fireworks ban marks the beginning of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening fire-safety protocols, increasing venue accountability, protecting tourists and locals alike, and ultimately rebuilding public trust in Goa’s hospitality sector. As Goa continues to attract millions of visitors, the latest directive is expected to reshape safety standards across the state’s nightlife and tourism landscape—ensuring that entertainment remains exciting, but never unsafe.