Change archaic laws to boost Mumbai's nightlife: Hotel association tells Aaditya Thackeray

Buoyed by the state governmentrsquos positive approach in making the city open 24x7 hoteliers in the city and state have asked for amendments to archaic laws and regulations that make doing business in the city a nightmareRepresentatives of the Hotel amp Restaurant Association western India which consists of national and international hotel chains met Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray and BJP leader Shaina N C yesterday PicAtul KambleThe Hotel amp Restaurant Association Western India which consists of representatives of national and international hotel chains met Shiv Senarsquos youth leader Aaditya Thackeray and senior BJP leader Shaina NC yesterday at the mayorrsquos residence in Shivaji ParkThe meeting held a day after Thackeray got Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to act positively on opening the city to nightlife in select commercial entertainment zones in nonresidential areas was significant as it helped politicians in the ruling party understand problems that dog the hospitality businessmidday had reported on the development in a frontpage report yesterday Pradeep Shetty honorary secretary of the association told midday that the interaction centered on the possibility of making provisions that will ease business control corruption increase tourism and cater to the changing lifestyle of the MumbaikarsThe state government proposes to also implement lsquonightlife zonersquo scheme in cities like Pune which have witnessed changing trends in lifestyles ldquoNightlife is not all about keeping restaurants and pubs open throughout the nightIt is more about retaining international tourists who avoid spending time in the city because it has nothing to offer in entertainment Also the city utterly disappoints todayrsquos hardworking youth who want to live their lives without creating trouble for others who may not essentially approve of their lifestylerdquo said ShettyHe added that the biggest hurdle was the archaic laws and 140 permissionspermits that any hotelier needs to procure for starting his business ldquoThe laws are very old and encourage corruption We need to revise themrdquo he saidldquoThis is a great development not only for hoteliers but also for residents and tourists Mumbai is the business capital of India An active nightlife and avenues of entertainment will result in visitors extending their stay by a day or twoEven transit travellers could end up spending more time and money in this city Many thanks to all those who have helped us in getting this proposal the much needed voicerdquo said Bharat Malkani president Hotel amp Restaurant Association Western IndiaWarming up to the planHampRA executive committee member P S Ghai said the city needed to get unshackled from multiple licencing ldquoWe have been breaking our heads to make the administration understand this for many yearsWe had proposed our nightlife plan similar to Thackerayrsquos a few years ago but it remained pending for approvalrdquo he said adding that the Shiv SenaBJP which were on the same page on this issue would push for it and implement it successfullyCity police chief Rakesh Maria has already given his nod to the plan and assured his preparedness to tackle any lawandorder situation that may arise due to the new initiative Thackeray said laws like the Shops and Establishments Act and Police Act needed to be amendedldquoAmendment may happen in either the budget or monsoon sessions of the legislaturerdquo he said Shaina NC said the concerns raised by hoteliers and restaurateurs would be considered at the state level ldquoWe will ensure that the plan is operational at the earliest There is no issue of political will as far as this project is concernedrdquo she said