The state government on Thursday passed a Bill in the Assembly allowing all shops, except bars, pubs, discotheques, to stay open 24 hours after requisite permissions and all seven days of a week as part of their ease of business provision.
As the state legislative assembly cleared a Bill allowing shops to remain open 24/7, there was apprehension among residents of Colaba, which has a mix of residential and commercial places. The place which is popular among tourists has a number of eateries and places to visit. Among the apprehensions, locals worry that there will be disturbance all night long, and security issues may crop up because of the night life.
The state government on Thursday passed a Bill in the Assembly allowing all shops, except bars, pubs, discotheques, to stay open 24 hours after requisite permissions and all seven days of a week as part of their ease of business provision.
"Despite bars being shut, there will always be a disturbance issue. Even if you have an air conditioner and keep windows closed, the noise is less but it is definitely there. It is a hassle for senior citizens," said Meher Sanjana, a resident of Colaba who lives near Radio Club. While for her it is the disturbance, for some others it is about security and parking.
"I think it is more of a security issue than disturbance. It will be problematic for shopkeepers as well. South Mumbai anyway faces a parking problem. This will only add to our woes. The rule can be applied in places like Nariman Point which are completely commercial or a business district but not for areas that has a mix of residential and commercial spaces," said Ajay Multani, a resident of Colaba and treasurer of Strand Marg Association.
Some like Remu Javeri, a resident of Colaba behind Taj Hotel said that an international city should look to have 24/7 life. "There are stalls that function beyond the permissible time. There should be guidelines," she added.
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