Mumbai NCP chief Sachin Ahir today alleged that Maharashtra government's decision to drop five kinds of Home Department licenses needed by the Hospitality industry was intended to "promote dance bars" in the state. In line with 'ease of doing business' policy, the BJP-led government had recently said that certain licenses or certificates issued by the Home department would no longer be needed to start a hotel in the state. This includes the license for 'public entertainment performance'.

"This means several new dance bars will come up. By dropping the entertainment performance licence, the government clearly indicates that it supports opening of dance bars and starting 'night life' in cities like Mumbai," Ahir said.