The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) has issued a circular permitting hotels and restaurants in the city to operate open to air terrace as a service area for serving food. The circular has granted permissions to hotels and restaurants having existing eating house and lodging services. Hotels and restaurants in the city have welcomed the much awaited decision and have welcomed Mumbaikars to a new dining experience. The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) and Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR), which had been pursuing the authorities in allowing establishments to utilise their open terraces, have lauded the Government’s move.
Both Associations have jointly expressed their gratitude towards Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, Ajoy Mehta, Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai for their invaluable support and who were instrumental in facilitating the permission grant.
Dilip Datwani, President, HRAWI said, “We are happy that the Govt. is doing its bit in encouraging tourism. It has been our plea to unlock the huge potential that terraces offer by allowing them to be operated as leisure or recreational spaces. Sky Bars and Roof-top Cafes are an emerging trend across the world and Mumbai, despite being the commercial capital of India lacked the policy for allowing these activities. This is a welcome decision which many International tourists as well as Mumbaikars will appreciate.”
The MCGM’s circular cited Mumbai as being one of the biggest business and tourist hubs of the country which attracts a huge number of domestic and international tourists. Mumbai is also a preferred destination for many international visitors as a tourist embankment for travelling to various places in India.
Datwani added, “Mumbai’s coastline and skyline offer interesting and enchanting views of the city. It was our contention that Mumbai too should be able to showcase its beauty and make it possible for patrons to enjoy an evening of dining under the stars. This clubbed with the nightlife operations would make Mumbai truly one of the World Cities.”
