Raids conducted by Fire Brigade reveals only 23.62% eateries complied with fire safety notices issued to them
The latest inspection carried out on hotels and restaurants in the city with regard to fire safety norms found that a mere 23.62 per cent eateries complied with notices served by the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB). The fire officials claimed that the small eateries are major offenders vis-a-vis adhering to fire safety norms.
"The bigger restaurants comply with our notices, as they usually have minor violation issues, which can be fixed easily. The small eateries find it difficult to do the same due to space crunch and ongoing disputes with the societies to provide a back exit. Some, however, blatantly flout the norms," said a fire official.
He added that many small restaurants in Mumbai are old structures and are located in congested areas. This makes the provision of a fire safety passage, a second exit door, or installing fire safety equipment, a problem.
Through the months of January and February this year, the MFB had inspected 3,194 hotels and restaurants, out of which 1,473 were found to be violating fire safety norms. Only 348 had complied with the notices.
The MFB also demolished 381 restaurants, while another 42 premises were sealed for failing to comply with fire safety measures. The establishments that were demolished had extended their structures without seeking permission. The eateries sealed included those violating major fire safety norms, or lacking requisite permission.
The inspections were carried after a deadly fire broke out in two restaurants in Kamala Mills compound, killing 14 people. The MFB also formed a fire safety compliance cell after the mishap, which will concentrate only on inspecting commercial establishments, sending notices to violators, etc. The body also prepared a standard operating procedure last month.
Fire department officials said two such eateries that failed to comply with fire safety norms are 24 Lounge in Khar West and Fassos outlet in Parel. DNA visited both places.
24 LOUNGE IN KHAR (W)
The restaurant, which usually sees a lot of rush, was rather desolate. The watchman of the building did not allow the DNA reporter to enter the building saying the restaurant is closed. He informed that after the civic officials visited the joint, it was shut. People around said that the restaurant has been shut for a month now.
FASSOS OUTLET, PAREL
The restaurant located on the main road had a sitting arrangement earlier, but it was removed recently. The employees of the restaurant said they removed the tables outside due to a lack of space. We only carry take away or home delivery service. Regarding fire safety norms, there was an inspection carried a month or two back. We do not know what were the findings of the officials. But we have all fire safety equipment. But, it was visible that the restaurant had a side door which was locked and gas burners were kept behind it which was a kitchen.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Fassos and 24 Lounge")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}