Orchestra bars to stay shut over 'police harassment'

MUMBAI: Over 400 orchestra bars across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including 300 in Mumbai, may continue their agitation till Holi in March to protest against alleged police harassment. The Mumbai bars downed shutters on Saturday and establishments elsewhere are expected to follow suit soon.
Sudhakar Shetty of Ahar, the association of hotels and restaurants, said that if things don't improve all 7,000 bars and restaurants across Mumbai may shut indefinitely.
Shetty was speaking at a press conference on Tuesday. The bar owners, under the banner of Ahar, have alleged that police have been deliberately fabricating cases against them and recovering fines in spite of they having legal permissions for orchestra performances. "Instead of shutting bars after losing money and respect, it is better to remain shut," said Shetty. The owners said they have orders from the police department itself for four female and four male artistes to perform in the orchestra.
The police have been fining the bars. "For even a burnt cigarette on the floor and garbage outside the hotel the police are slapping fines on us," said Sukesh Shetty, Ahar secretary.
"Despite being legal, cops are shutting the orchestra and in many cases the entire hotel. They do not allow female singers to perform within the stipulated hours and book frivolous cases on bar owners," said Shetty. He said as per law waitresses are allowed in bars up to 9.30 pm, but the police in many cases book them before 9.30 p.m.
Ahar members have decided to call on home minister R R Patil.
"Our annual fee comes to around 10 lakh for each orchestra bar," pointed out Bharat Thakur, chairman, Orchestra Bar Subcommittee, Ahar.