Relief for orchestra bar owners in Mira-Bhayandar

Mumbai: Owners and staffers of orchestra bars in the twin-cities of Mira-Bhayandar on Tuesday heaved a sigh of relief after the state government’s home department stayed the order imposed by the revenue department to revoke their entertainment licenses. However, the decision is seen as a major setback to the sincere efforts taken by Thane (rural) police to weed out the menace and keep crime in control. According to them, there was a significant decrease in crime during the period these establishments remain closed. 

Thane (rural) SP Mahesh Patil said, “Our duty is to keep a tab on illegal activities and ensure that framed guidelines are not violated in any way at bars. All concerned police stations have been asked to remain vigilant and take violators to task.” 

In June 2017, the police had issued notices to all establishments found running without updated licenses required to stage live music shows. Since then, orchestra bar owners had been running from pillar to post to procure renewals from the district tehsildar’s office. 

While their attempts did not meet with any success, licenses of 42 bars were revoked on September 7 this year, prompting the bar owners to file an appeal before the home department. A bar owner contended, “Despite being top revenue generators, the bar industry has always been a soft target.”