Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray stressed on benefits of allowing night life in Mumbai by letting establishments stay open at night.
Stressing on the benefits of allowing night life in Mumbai by letting establishments stay open at night, Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray said the BMC was drafting a circular on a single-window clearance for the tourism and hospitality industry.
Aaditya, whose idea of letting commercial establishments in non-residential and business areas stay open through the night was criticised by BJP leaders, said, "It was misunderstood by those who do not know Mumbai." Earlier, he had also expressed displeasure at the state government dragging its feet on the issue.
In 2013, the Shiv Sena led BMC had passed a resolution and forwarded it to the state government for legal amendments. As per the proposal, eateries, cafes, malls, theatres, chemists and milk shops could remain open all night in non-residential zones (like Ballard Estate and BKC), while in residential areas, clearances from residents and police would be necessary. The Union cabinet in June approved the Model Shops and Establishment (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2016, which allows smaller establishments to run business all seven days like large shopping malls.
"I do not want to comment on the state government. But it is significant that the Centre too chose to make a similar policy. Let us see which state governments accept it... the same party is in the government in the state and the Centre," said Aaditya, while speaking on the sidelines of the India Night life convention and awards on Sunday, adding this had taken into consideration aspects like security.
"The common Mumbaikar cannot go to a five-star," he said when questioned about charges that the proposal was elitist, pointing to the coffee shops in these premium hotels being open round-the-clock. Aaditya stressed that for the common man, who found it difficult to unwind or relax after a hard day's work, timings for street side restaurants needed to be extended.
"It depends on the state government. The shops and establishments act under the state government," he said, adding that these powers should be with the civic body. Aaditya said that, if implemented, the plan would increase employment in the food and hospitality sector, which already employs around five lakh people in Mumbai and boost ancillary businesses like transport and taxi services.
"What is legal in the day is also legal at night," he added, while referring to the curbs on keeping these establishments open, and stressed on the need for cafes, malls, spas and gyms to be kept open 24X7.
Speaking at the convention earlier, Aaditya said Mumbaikars found it difficult to step out for dinner with family and friends after work due to the time restrictions. He suggested that establishments in mills compounds and malls, which were non-residential areas and have facilities like CCTV, security and parking, be allowed to stay open till 5 AM at least on Saturday.
Referring to the industrys' moves to launch a movement for 'Mumbai 24X7,' Aaditya stressed on the need for its supporters to tweet this to the government. "Very soon, you will have a single-window clearance for the entire tourism and hospitality industry," said Aaditya, adding that he had spoken to municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta.
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