#Mumbainightlife...yay or nay?

Yuva Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray's proposal about Mumbai's nightlife has received mixed reactions from citizens. While the idea of nightlife is appealing, there are a number of cons that may result in this plan fizzling out:
1. Restaurants situated in areas such as Kala Ghoda, Nariman Point and BKC will remain open. So, popular restaurants in residential areas like Colaba, Kemps Corner will remain shut after the 1 a.m. deadline.
2. The original plan was to have restaurants in malls open round the clock. However, the Mumbai police has reportedly vetoed this idea, citing security as an issue.
3. Reports suggest that pubs and bars will still have to adhere to the 1 a.m. deadline. Most people go for a night out to enjoy a drink or two, but will have to continue partying with friends at home, since restaurants that have a permit to serve alcohol will remain shut.

Gauri Pradhan, Matunga resident
In my opinion, reviving Mumbai's nightlife will definitely be a welcome move. Honestly, parties don't end at 1.30 a.m. and sending people away from pubs at that time does not ensure that they are going home. In fact, most of these people are the ones that end up getting drunk and drive rashly on roads. I think that if these party-goers get to spend the night wherever they have been partying, at least they won't be a nuisance to others. Apart from this, 24/7 stores and eateries will be helpful to those who are out on emergencies such as watchmen, police officers or even someone, who has taken their relative to a hospital.

Kritika Ajmani, works at Prabhadevi
While entertainment options for the youth and tourists will increase, Mumbai's law and order and emergency services are not mature enough to handle nightlife like this. This arrangement will also bring along the scornful remarks of the moral police, who will have an excuse to point fingers at women, who will be a part of such an entertainment scene. I think that India is not mature enough as a society to support a 24/7 culture.

Marisha Dolly Singh, works at Colaba
As a 25-year-old and especially as a working individual, my first reaction was that of glee. The pros are: I can actually go to a party after leaving from work and not be kicked out from the establishment after an hour; midnight hunger pangs can be serviced by hygienic places rather than hoping that the anda-bhurji wala is still around; minor medical needs can be dealt with—fever and headaches will not have to be suffered through the night; the decision will help employ thousands of youngsters, who can work night-shifts to earn money; taxi and autorickshaw drivers will also see a jump in revenue, thanks to night fares. However, the cons are: given that Mumbai's traffic policemen are short-staffed and overworked, they will now have to deal with more drunk/rash driving cases; due to a chronic shortage of manpower in the city's police force, there is bound to be an increase in the crime rate—petty thievery, eve-teasing and harassment.

Shivangi Gupta, Churchgate resident
I think it is a good way forward, since people are being allowed to choose what works best for them. It will be a welcome move for all F&B (food and beverage) outlets and will definitely make the city's nightlife more vibrant and inviting.


Marianne Karmarkar, Nepean Sea Road resident
The proposal to convert non-residential areas like Kala Ghoda, Nariman Point and BKC into entertainment zones at night is a welcome suggestion as it would provide a platform for cultural renaissance. Besides, keeping chemists and convenience stores open round the clock would always be beneficial for those emergency purchases.

Sridhar Rao, Goregaon resident
I think it is a good idea because it will help those who work late to actually enjoy life. It'll also aid tourism and help draw in valuable foreign exchange. The negative side is that after a night of drinking, people tend to go out of control, which will disturb the peace. Another con is that the police will have to work all night long and they are already overworked and underpaid. The citizens should be more responsible about how they conduct themselves at night and be wary of any illegal activities that may take place.

Ushamrita Choudhury, Powai resident
Chemists and convenience stores sell essentials so if they are open round the clock, it can only make our lives convenient. As for malls and night clubs, I wouldn't place my faith in a decision to allow them to operate 24x7. In the case of night clubs, as many people would be under the influence of alcohol, there's an inherent risk involved in the functioning of the clubs. Malls, too, can turn into hubs for untoward incidents if adequate security isn't arranged for the entire night. Considering the lack of trained security to manage such centres of leisurely activity, it wouldn't be a bright idea to have either function all night long. Customers moving around with either cash or cards in the wee hours of the night will prove to be easy targets for mischief mongers.