The joint enforcement and monitoring committee also recommended immediate closure of the nightclub, raising questions about the structural stability of an establishment constructed entirely on wooden stilts.
North Goa Collector Ankit Yadav confirmed the action, stating, “Yes, it has been sealed.” He added, “We have inspected 35-40 clubs over the last few days. Most have fire NOCs but, at times, some lack permission from panchayats.”
During inspection, officials found that basic fire safety systems were absent. The venue, overlooking the beach, features wooden flooring, natural fibres, and thatched grass roofing — materials that significantly elevate fire risk. Restaurateur and entrepreneur Rahul Ramnath is listed as the proprietor of the establishment.
Cafe CO2 is now the second nightclub in Goa to be sealed following the devastating fire at Birch by Romeo Lane, which claimed 25 lives. Earlier, authorities shut down Goya, another Vagator-based venue, for operating on agricultural land without commercial permissions and for several regulatory breaches.
In response to the tragedy at Birch, the state government established a joint enforcement and monitoring committee to inspect tourism-related businesses across Goa. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has also issued a stringent advisory mandating that nightclubs, restaurants, bars, and event venues comply with all fire, electrical, and structural safety guidelines.
Records reveal that Cafe CO2 regularly hosted belly dance performances and fire shows as part of its entertainment lineup. The club’s owners also run another outlet by the same name near Pune’s Manas Lake.[With TOI inputs]