Thursday Titbit

Some titbit news of this Thursday of Jan 2020, which I would like to share with you all.

It looks like Mumbai is to become first city in India where Shops/Malls/Multiplexes and Restaurants  will be open for 24 hours a day. The proposal of keeping this open was first mooted in 2013 but for some reasons it could not be implemented. In the last govt also there was discussion in this matter. In the present govt again it was pushed by Aditya Thackarey (minister of  environment & tourism in present Maharashtra govt) who also happens to be son of CM Uddhav Thackarey, who is also president of Shiv Sena party. Yesterday  Maharashtra cabinet gave the approval for this with some riders. Initially this scheme will be applicable to certain areas of Mumbai city.

So from Jan 27, malls, eateries and theatres inside gated compounds in non residential areas can remain open 24/7. As per the govt notifications few Malls in different locations have been allocated. The Maharashtra govt notified the amended Maharashtra Shops and Establishment (Regulation of Employment and Service Conditions) Act in 2017. This amendment allows shops to remain open in 3 shifts for 24 hours,all days of the week, in the state. As per this act shops include restaurants that did not serve alcohol cinema halls, salons, hyper malls etc. Bars, Pubs, Discotheque and other establishments serving alcohol will not be allowed to remain open after 1.30 am, their current closure time. The Food Trucks will be allowed in designated areas in Nariman Point, Marine Drive and Bandra Kurla Complex.

As per Aditya Thackarey Mumbai is a 24/7 functional city. There are people who work in night shifts. There are in transit tourist, where they go  after 11 pm if they are hungry. He further added that London’s nightlife economy is worth 5 billion pounds, and similar growth can be expected in Mumbai. He also said ‘ there are provisions for security in , including CCTV in malls and if they need additional police presence it can be provided at cost. Any violation of any law may invite permanent cancellation of licence.

This provision is going to put extra burden on the police force, presently they only check if shops and establishments are closed after the prescribed time limit,  but now they will have to focus for law and order only. Over 10 malls and multiplexes in Mumbai and Thane have decided to participate in this scheme on  experimental basis, after that depending  on financial viability, they will decide on whether to stay open 24/7 or operate all day only on weekends.

Police has assured that adequate security arrangements will be provided at all locations. Suitable modifications will be made after review of initial footfalls and requirements.

There are many who are very sceptical , whether this scheme will function or not properly, they have few points which needs to be considered- not everyone in Mumbai is  not having their vehicle so that they can come out so late for shopping or eating food! So buses and local trains (in future metro service) will have to be available throughout night, second you may need additional police force including lady police for proper security of the citizens. Some people are afraid that this might lead to more crimes in the city and whether already short staffed police force is really equipped to handle this additional burden, naturally govt will have to augment the police force

One thing is certain if this plan succeed there will be definitely openings for additional employments.

For tourists, who arrive late in the city, they will have additional choice, instead of eating in their hotel they can go to 24/7 restaurants and try something different.

Taxis (also Ola & Uber)/Autos can hope for better business in the night.

This system will truly flourish if govt sees to it that people, who our out during the night, provided their security is taken care off.

Mumbai is always called city that never sleeps, but in true sense it will now become CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS.

So my friends, what is your take on this.

Awaiting your comments/feed backs/views.

Anil Malik

Mumbai,India

23^rd Jan 2020.