MUMBAI: The BMC has filed an FIR against the management of a restaurant-cum-bar in Lower Parel for violating safety and social distancing norms.The FIR was filed at NM Joshi Marg police station. The manager of Epitome, who was among the ones named in the FIR, was unavailable for comment. A front office staffer said the CEO would ring back, but
TOI received no comment thereafter.
Civic officials said they had been receiving complaints that resto-bars, pubs and bars were not adhering to closure timings and were violating social distancing rules as well. They warned that if such violations continue, the civic body will request the state government to impose night curfew in the city during the Christmas period. BMC rules allow up to 50 patrons in bars and restaurants, and the shutters must be rolled down at 11.30 pm.
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It is important that all establishments that see crowds strictly follow Covid-19 protocols and social distancing norms. If restaurants and bars flout the rules, they risk creating superspreader events which would set the state, city and country back in the fight against the coronavirus. Patrons of such places too should strictly follow the pandemic guidelines and not pose health hazards to themselves and to others.
BMC commissioner I S Chahal said, “The Lower Parel establishment was operating till the early hours of the morning and had invited 2,000 people for the party. The place was crowded and no one was following pandemic guidelines. We are getting similar other complaints and will keep watch on violators till December 20. If they fail to follow the rules, we will request the state government to announce night curfew in the city to control the spread of the virus.”
This is the first major BMC action against a resto-bar for violating social distancing norms. Earlier, the police had taken action against a pub in Andheri.
Officials stated that a text message was circulating among people stating “Gear up for the biggest party in town at *Epitome, Todi Mills* feathering *MADOC*. We have just a few spots left before we get sold out. You can’t afford to miss this one tonight as we are also on till late.”
The BMC received a complaint about the party along with this message and decided to check the premises on Saturday night. A civic official stated that when they arrived at the resto-bar around midnight, it was still operational. An official said, “Some patrons left the venue before we arrived. They perhaps got a hint of our action in advance.”
Shivanand Shetty, president of the restaurants’ association Ahar, said Epitome was not its member. He said, “Our members have been strictly instructed to follow all protocols and are taking necessary precautions on safety and social distancing.”