Borivali restobar allegedly operates on ground floor without BMC licence

Charwak Restaurant & Bar in Borivli East. PIC/NIMESH DAVE

A restaurant and bar in Borivali East is facing serious questions after documents obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) query revealed a major issue with its licence. The establishment has official permission to operate only on its first floor. However, it is allegedly operating full service on the ground floor without any approval for that space.

The bar, ‘Charwak Restaurant & Bar', has been granted a health licence by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) specifically for its first-floor premises. According to the complaint, this licence does not cover any other part of the building. Despite this, the bar is allegedly said to be using the same licence to operate on the ground floor too. The issue raises concerns not only about the bar's conduct, but also about possible gaps in enforcement by civic authorities.

Licence only 1st floor

As per records, the BMC has issued a health licence to Charwak Restaurant & Bar only for the first floor of the Ghanshyam Dubey Tower in Borivali East. This licence is valid until December 31, 2026. The RTI reply from the Public Health Department clearly states that no separate permission has been granted to operate on the ground floor.

Allegations of civic inaction

The complainant has claimed that the issue has been raised multiple times with civic authorities, but no action has been taken so far. According to the complainant, this lack of response has allowed the alleged illegal operations to continue unchecked.

Complaint escalated

The matter has now been escalated to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and senior officials of the BMC. The complainant has demanded strict action not only against the restaurant and bar, but also against any civic officials and police personnel who may have failed to act.

BMC response

The R Central ward (Borivali) office of the BMC has confirmed receipt of the complaint. Assistant Municipal Commissioner Praful Tambe said an inspection has already been carried out. "The official inspection report will be prepared, and further action will be taken in accordance with the legal process," Tambe said.

Flouting norms a routine

The problem of hotels and bars breaking rules without fear of action was also raised last week in the state Legislative Assembly. Responding to the issue, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the government plans to tighten the rules. He explained that the goal is to ensure that hotels and bars that repeatedly violate norms face strong action, including permanent cancellation of their licences.