Pokhara, May 19: Business owners in Pokhara have called for reducing operating hours for nightlife businesses, arguing that the current policy allowing 24-hour operations in the city’s tourist areas has become more problematic than beneficial.
Entrepreneurs say the round-the-clock operation policy in the Lakeside area has created management challenges, as tourists continue seeking services late into the night. They claim the unrestricted operations have contributed to growing disorder and security concerns in Nepal’s tourism capital.
Business representatives recently submitted a memorandum to the District Administration Office Kaski demanding stricter monitoring in tourist hubs such as Lakeside and Damside.
The business community has urged authorities to require all nightlife businesses to close after 2 am, citing increasing noise pollution, disorderly behaviour, and deteriorating public security.
According to Taranath Pahari, problems have worsened due to unchecked alcohol sales, late-night street disturbances, reckless motorcycle riding and stunts, drug use, and rising incidents of fights and disputes.
He said such activities have created fear among tourists and local residents while negatively affecting Pokhara’s tourism image.
Pahari also alleged that some hotel staff and operators have been aggressively approaching tourists on streets and intersections using motorcycles and scooters to pressure them into staying at specific hotels, undermining tourists’ freedom of choice and sense of security.
Similarly, Laxman Subedi said the concept of keeping Lakeside open 24 hours a day is now harming Pokhara’s tourism industry.
He noted that while hotels naturally remain open for guests around the clock, unrestricted nightlife operations have encouraged uncontrolled activities and disturbed visitors seeking a peaceful environment.
Subedi added that tourists returning late at night under the influence of alcohol have become a growing concern for both businesses and residents.
Although the Kaski administration and business community jointly introduced a 42-point code of conduct in 2023 to regulate nightlife businesses, entrepreneurs claim it has not been effectively implemented.
According to business owners, the 24-hour operation policy was introduced without sufficient infrastructure, regulation, and management mechanisms, leading to increasing challenges in maintaining order and security in Pokhara’s main tourism areas. #Nepal
