In a move to boost the night-time economy of Mumbai, cabinet allows 24-hour access to the city’s eateries and malls.
Mumbai| The state cabinet had approved the “24-hours policy” that will allow malls, multiplexes and shops to remain open round the clock in Mumbai from January 27, State Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray announced on Wednesday.
Referring to London’s night economy, Tourism Minister said that keeping malls, multiplexes and shops open around the clock in Mumbai City is expected to generate more revenue and jobs, over and above 5 Lakh already working in the sector.
Thackeray said that from January 27, malls, multiplexes, shops and eateries in non-residential areas like Bandra Kurla Complex and Nariman Point will remain open 24×7. However, keeping shops, malls, and eateries open in the night was not mandatory. He also said that only the on’s who feel they can do good business can keep their establishments open throughout the night.
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As a first step, permission to remain open 24/7 will be given to shops, eateries and theatres in malls and mill compounds situated in non-residential areas, mainly across gated spaces that have their own CCTV surveillance and parking facilities, and where decibel levels can be curtailed.
Thackeray said “In the Bandra-Kurla Complex and Nariman Point near NCPA, a lane will be opened for food trucks. Food inspectors will keep a watch on them. If rules on solid waste management, decibel limits and law and order are violated, there is a provision of a lifetime ban.”
For now, standalone entities will not be part of the push. Pubs and bars will close as usual at 1.30 since excise rules have not been altered.
Justifying the ’24-hour policy’ move, Aaditya Thackeray said that Mumbai is a 24×7 functional city, there are people who were in night shifts and there are commuters and tourists too, indicating that the move will make food accessible to them.
AadityaThackeray is said to have played a major role behind the proposal.
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