BMC says 2 weeks after it reopened, the bar is still bending the rules, issues notices to nearly 20 other Bandra eateries
BMC says 2 weeks after it reopened, the bar is still bending the rules, issues notices to nearly 20 other Bandra eateries
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In its continued bid to crack down on Bandra pubs and lounges which residents allege are noisy and dismissive of BMC norms the civic authorities have decided to halt renewal of Zenzi Bar's licence, and served notices to close to 20 eateries in the Queen of Suburbs after they were allegedly found the bending rules.
Zenzi is a favourite haunt of models, artists and expatriates as it offers differently themed nights ranging from flea markets, poetry nights and salsa nights
Two weeks after the plush and popular lounge on Waterfield Road restarted business, the BMC has held back the renewal of Zenzi's licence after it was found violating norms.
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A letter sent by the corporation (a copy of which is with MiD DAY) states, "After receiving complaints from various sources, we are presently holding the renewal of license, and the lounge has to submit all requisite papers for perusal of higher officers for any decision to be taken."
A favourite haunt of models, artists and expatriates, the plush lounge had reopened on December 26, 2010, six months after the BMC ordered it to demolish its illegal extended outdoor section in August.
Dr Shridhar R Kubal from BMC's Health Department said, "After residents' protests, we surveyed the place and discovered a few breaches. We have sent them a notice and have presently put a hold on the renewal of their licence. We will submit a report to higher authorities and then decide upon a course of action."
Flouters
As reported by MiD DAY ('Not an open & shut case for Bandra pubs', January 8), civic authorities, Mumbai cops and its traffic department, and residents' associations have jointly decided to survey Bandra pubs and discos and act against the violators.
Close to 20 pubs, including eight on Carter Road and five on Linking Road have been served notices already (see box).
The ones on Carter Road have been found trespassing provisions of the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices (MRTP) Act by the H-West ward for unlawfully adding and altering the premises. A few pubs on Waterfield Road have received notices for illegitimate use of open space, including shifting the kitchen to an unsafe place.
Mahendra Sawant from the BMC's Building Proposal Department said, "We have issued notices to eight eateries on Carter Road under MRTP Act for illegal construction and use of the place. We are going to take stern action."
"We have issued notices to about five restaurants and pubs on Linking Road and await their response," added Kubal
This is not the first time the eateries have received such notices. MiD DAY had earlier reported ('Now, 20 eateries at Carter Road to go?', July 23, 2010) on how the Bandra police had forced over 20 joints to shut. The joints were found functioning beyond the scope of the licence.
Many had covered compulsory open compound area without permission, while others were disregarding fire safety norms. But the eateries re-opened within a few days.
Residents vs Zenzi
Incidentally, Zenzi has been running into problems since it opened in 2005. It has had to grapple with constant complaints from residents of the building in which it is located. On August 20, the BMC brought down illegal additions and alterations made by the lounge.
Syed Arif, who stays above Zenzi and has been vocal against the establishment for creating nuisance in the area, said, "Even after the authorities gave an undertaking saying that they will not play loud music, they are doing the same.
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They were asked to reinstate the internal walls that they demolished, but that also has not been done. Also, they were ordered not to use the open space for commercial purposes, still they are found violating (see box) the same. After their license has been withheld, why are they still operating?"
But some civic officials say there is no cause for grouse. An official who did not wish to be named said, "Residents have been unnecessarily complaining about the establishment. They just want it to be closed forever. There were some minor problems which we have asked the owners to rectify."
New Offerings
Zenzi will no longer host music performances, but will have a resident DJ.
It will continue to organise flea markets, poetry nights and dance workshops.
It will be open for lunch and their menu has been revamped to include sushi along with old favourites like China Box, Tuna sashimi and Lamb osso buco.
The Other Side
Emiliano Collazo, co-owner of Zenzi, refused to comment. "I was out of town and am not aware of anything." However, owners feel that they are being harassed by the civic authorities. A spokesperson from Tavaa restaurant said, "We have been operating since 1984. Suddenly we were issued a notice by the BMC over how we are using the open space. We purchased this place from a builder when we started years back. It has nothing to do with BMC. But still we are asked to give explanations. This is nothing but a kind of harassment."
Few others such as Shashi Puri, owner of Kareem's on Carter Road said, "It is a very vague notice. I don't know why they have issued it." Sadhna Lalwani, owner of Hawaiian Shack, denied receiving any notice from the BMC. "We have not received any such thing from the BMC." Owner of Sheesha and Mezbaan restaurants was unavailable for comment.
Zenzi's Breaches
Alleged violations by the lounge as per residents:
>>Open space is used for commercial purposes.
>>Management has not reinstated inner walls that they have demolished
>>No parking space creating traffic snarl and nuisance in the area.
>>5 feet walls have not been reinstated.
>>Kitchen is creating problem for residents residing above the establishment.
>>Many illegal exit and entry points have been made.
Ek Cutting!
'Bandra'
Once a small village with plantations of rice and vegetables, Bandra today is the city's partying hub populated with numerous cosmopolitan bars and lounges. The word 'Bandra' is a possible adaptation of either the Persian word, bandar, or the Marathi vandre, both of which mean port. They come from the same Sanskrit root word. It is referred to as "Bandora" as seen on gravestones in the cemetery of St Andrew's Church and in the writings of a Scotsman, Mountstuart Elphinstone of the British East India Company.
They Too
Popular joints like Tavaa, Hawaiian Shack, Sheesha, Mezbaan, and Kareem's have been issued notices for overstepping BMC regulations.
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