Maharashtra Legislative Council clears Bill to regulate dance bars
The Maharashtra Legislative Council has unanimously cleared the Bill to regulate dance bars in Mumbai and rest of Maharashtra.
- Following its clearance in the Upper House, the Bill will now be introduced in the Assembly.
As per the bill:
- Dance bars have not been banned but stringent conditions have been imposed to ensure that no owner comes forward to set up a dance bar.
- All performances will have to be approved by the censor board for theatre performances.
- Approximately five feet distance must be maintained between customers and dancers.
- Performers cannot be touched by anyone and neither money nor gifts can be showered on them. Podium will be isolated by a three-foot wall.
- Restaurant and dancing area should be kept separate by building a wall and liquor will not be served where the performance is on.
- No more than four dancers can perform on a platform at a time.
- Performance cannot be vulgar. However, the bill does not specify the definition of “vulgar.”
- All dancers should be 21 years old and it is the responsibility of the hotel owner to provide Provident Fund to them. Dance bars cannot be opened in a residential area.
