BMC says 2 weeks after it reopened, the bar is still bending the rules, issues notices to nearly 20 other Bandra eateries

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."