Dance Bars to Reopen in Mumbai
Supreme Court changes the strict laws imposed on dance bars.
On 17 January 2019, the Supreme Court [SC] has allowed dance bars to officially reopen in Mumbai. The Maharashtra government had declared very strict laws in dance bars, such as no alcohol, installing CCTV camera and separating the dance stage from the public. All dance bars had to follow these rules, to get the license.
Maharashtra did not give license to any dance bar since 2005. Earlier Many hotels and restaurants had challenged the State Governments rules regarding dance bars in several petitions. The Supreme Court said that the government can issue rules but they can not completely ban dance bars.
Now the Supreme Court has changed the rules.The Supreme Court’s order said that, Dance bars so not have to install CCTV cameras as it violates privacy/invasion of privacy. Alcohol can be sold in dance bars.Performers can be tipped, but guests can not shower them with cash or coins.
The rule regarding a separate area for dancers and the guests was also cancelled by the Supreme Court.The Supreme Court agrees with the state government and has said dance bars can only work from 6pm to 11.30pm.
