February 3, 2025
Richa Pinto
Mumbai: Residents of Mangal Sandesh Building on 17th Road, Khar, have raised concerns over the continued operation of Hitchens Cocktails & Ideas, a restaurant on the ground floor of their building, despite its licence being suspended by the BMC.
According to residents, the restaurant has also enclosed the building’s front open space using thick, flammable plastic sheets mounted on an iron framework. Additionally, they allege air conditioning units were installed, suggesting an attempt to convert the space into a permanent enclosure, further violating safety norms.
Haresh Lalwani, a resident, alleged that the stilt parking was illegally converted into a main kitchen using fungible floor space index (FSI) and that the property’s use was also changed from a studio to a restaurant. Additionally, he alleged that two fire exits were created within the building compound without the approval of Mangal Sandesh building residents. “This place is operating in our building’s B wing. After many meetings and letters, we managed to get the BMC medical officer health to temporarily suspend the licence, which is also reflected online. The licence was suspended last month, but the bar is still running and having regular events even with a suspended licence,” he said.
When contacted, BMC officials confirmed that the licence was suspended and that a notice was issued against the establishment. “Seizure action will be carried out soon. We suspended the licence owing to them operating in an area beyond which they received permission,” said the senior officer.
When TOI reached out to the restaurant, they said, “The matter is sub judice in the High Court and Corporation, and it would not be proper to comment on sub judice matters. In the meantime, the allegations are denied.”
However, residents and BMC clarified that there was no case in the court.
(EOM)
MSID:: 117888946 413 |
