The Maharashtra government will allow dance bars to open only after conducting an inspection of the premises after two months. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday that though some bars have received licences, an inspection will be carried out in two months to assess if the conditions laid down by the government are being followed.
“They may have got the conditional licences for now, but until this inspection is carried out, the bars will not be allowed to start operations,” he said.
Three bar owners received conditional licences from the Mumbai police last week in keeping with the Supreme Court order asking the state government to ensure licences were granted to at least eight bar owners.
Mr Fadnavis said while the licences have been issued as per court directives, the government has made it clear to the bars that the new guidelines will have to be followed.
Last week, bar owners had said the licences were meaningless since it was impossible to comply with the conditions imposed by the government, which include a closing time of 11.30 pm and no liquor during the performances.
The state home department has specified 26 rules for dance bars. These include ones that allow for only four dancers and performers on the premises. Also, not even changing rooms can be set up away from the general view and customers cannot approach the stage, whose size has been fixed at 10 feet by 12 feet.
The new rules also prohibit ‘obscene’ attire and performances that violate the dignity of women. A mandatory space must be maintained between the stage and the seating area for patrons, defined by a red line. Customers will not be allowed to walk up and shower cash on the performers, and there will be a three-foot barrier around the stage.
