At present, only licences are suspended, and establishments are shut for 15 days; state proposes permanent cancellation of licences after repeated flouting of norms
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Hotels allegedly running dance bars in the guise of orchestra bars and repeatedly flouting norms will soon face permanent closure and cancellation of licences, with the Maharashtra government set to amend the existing law to enable stricter enforcement. The proposed changes will empower the administration to permanently shut down establishments found guilty of repeatedly violating rules.
Several MLAs on Tuesday raised concerns that dance bars continue to function in violation of rules. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav alleged that several hotels along the Panvel highway remain shut during the day but operate through the night and called for strict inspections and action against such establishments.
MoS assures action
Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar on Tuesday stated that the state government does not issue licences for dance bars but grants permission only for orchestra bars. He admitted that there have been complaints of violations and warned that strict action will be taken, including permanent cancellation of licences in cases of habitual offenders.
State to amend act
The government had enacted a law banning dance bars to ensure their permanent closure; however, court rulings have allowed permissions for orchestra bars under certain conditions, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday. Fadnavis said there is a need to follow the principles of natural justice and decide whether establishments found violating norms three or five times should face permanent closure. “A meeting was held on the issue on Monday. The government intends to introduce an amendment bill in the ongoing session or, at the latest, in the next session,” Fadnavis said.
Strict guidelines
Licences of orchestra bars will be permanently cancelled following repeated flouting of norms. Orchestra bars must operate within specific guidelines, including demarcated performance areas and a complete prohibition on throwing money
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