Pubs and restaurants repeatedly operating beyond permitted hours may soon face permanent closure, with the state government planning stricter action. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, March 17, informed the state legislature that rules may be amended to allow permanent cancellation of licences of repeat offenders.

Norms flouted

A BJP MLA from Vasai, Sneha Pandit Dube, told the House she recently raided two pubs and restaurants found operating late into the night. She urged strict action against establishments violating permitted timings, stressing that erring hotels must be penalised for breaching rules.