A PUB IN PUNE, FACED BACKLASH AFTER IT ALLEGEDLY SENT CONDOMS AND ORS PACKETS ALONG WITH INVITATIONS FOR ITS NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY. (PHOTO).

 A pub in Pune, Maharashtra, faced backlash after it allegedly sent condoms and Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets along with invitations for its New Year’s Eve party. The unusual gesture by High Spirits Cafe caused public outrage when a guest posted photos of the gift packet on Facebook. The incident prompted the police to investigate and record statements from invitees.

According to senior police inspector Nilkanth Jagtap from Mundhwa police station, the pub sent an advisory encouraging guests to use helmets, stay hydrated, and avoid drunk driving as part of its safety precautions for the celebration. Selected regular patrons also received helmets and a goody bag containing condoms, which were sent to around 40 guests expected to attend the party. Following the controversy, the pub decided to cancel the event.

The Maharashtra Youth Congress filed a formal complaint against the pub, calling the gesture a “cheap publicity stunt.” General secretary Akshay Jain clarified they were not against pub culture but strongly opposed such actions. “We hope such stunts do not happen again. Cases of drugs and illegal activities are rising, and such actions need to be condemned,” Jain said, urging strict action against the cafe.

In response, Zaid Khan, the manager of High Spirits Cafe, explained that the gesture was misunderstood. He stated that the theme for this year’s New Year’s Eve was “party responsibly,” focusing on safety. “We wanted to address concerns like drunk driving and unprotected sex. The gift bag included condoms, ORS, and a chauffeur service number to promote responsible behavior,” Khan told Punekar News.