City pubs, malls say no to V-Day parties

Thanks to the ongoing economic slowdown and rising attacks by self-confessed moral policemen on pub culture, Mumbai's mall and pub owners have decided against any special celebrations for Valentines Day on February 14.

DJ Ramji Gulati, who organises V-Day themed events for popular nightclubs, said, "We are not organising any Valentine-themed party because of the current market situation."u00a0 Shailesh Agarwal, CEO, Ontoes Pub and Family Restaurant, Juhu, echoed Parekh's sentiments.

"We are running huge losses due to the economic downturn. The last thing we need is people barging into our pub and creating chaos," Agarwal said. Rahul Kanal, owner of Frontier Curries and Kebabs restaurant, Andheri, said the Mangalore pub attack coupled with the economic meltdown has forced him to make V-Day a low-key affair. "I spent Rs 80,000 on the V-Day theme last year. This year, the budget is Rs 30,000," said Kanal.

Vinay Menon, centre director, Phoenix Mills, said his company would not rent space for any Valentine Day-related activity. Amaan Faikh, manager, Mega Mall, Oshiwara, said V-Day attacks in the past had made them wary.
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"There may be a few promotional activities in the stores, but we won't be decorating the mall for V-Day," he said. Atria Mall, Worli, is, however, planning to usher the day with big celebrations. "It is a day for couples, and we have some special offers lined up for the occasion," said Kunal Wardhan, director, Atria Mall.u00a0

Take a yacht on V-Dayu00a0u00a0
Yachtnetz.com, a yacht charter division of Airnetz Aviation has announced a special package for a yacht charter on Valentine Day, starting Rs 75, 000 that allows a couple to spend four hours on a yacht in the Indian Ocean. The gateaway in the sea is available in Mumbai and Goa. The packages include non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, and biscuits, along with an icebox with other drinks.