HT View: Let the party begin

For too long now, Mumbai has not had places -- barring street food stalls and five star hotels -- where one can grab a bite or a drink late at night.

Finally, Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, may get exclusive zones where eateries, pubs and bars can stay open 24x7. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has approved a long-pending proposal and asked officials to see if such zones can first be tested on a pilot basis in non-residential areas of south Mumbai.

HT File

For too long now, Mumbai has not had places -- barring street food stalls and five star hotels -- where one can grab a bite or a drink late at night. Over the last decade, working hours have got later and later and while Mumbaiites work hard, they like to party hard too.

So, this is a welcome move. Mumbai should own its nightlife. But, officials should ensure that these zones remain isolated from residential areas and don’t become a nuisance for residents as they have proven to be in some cases. The Bandra-Kurla Complex besides areas in south Mumbai’s Fort area such as the Horniman Circle are ideal places to test this concept.

When this proposal was first mooted way back in 2005, it was held back as the city police expressed concerns over being overburdened by additional security demands. This concern still remains.

Read: Food trucks and nightlife zones in Mumbai soon?