The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), unauthorised constructions at the Vice-Global Tapas Bar located on Juhu Tara Road have been razed to the ground.
This enforcement action, orchestrated by BMC’s encroachment removal team, targeted illegal structures spanning approximately 3,500 square feet, encompassing both the ground floor and terrace areas of the establishment. The demolition operation, which involved the deployment of five engineers, two officers, and 20 workers equipped with essential tools such as electric breakers and gas cutters, was conducted with meticulous planning and oversight.
The BMC’s efforts were bolstered by a contingent of police personnel to maintain order during the operation, while officials from the state excise department were also present to oversee compliance. This crackdown comes on the heels of a recent controversy surrounding Vice-Global Tapas Bar, where allegations surfaced regarding the serving of alcohol without a valid license and the presence of unauthorized structures. Notably, this is not the first instance of BMC intervention at the bar; a similar enforcement action was initiated in 2022 under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, highlighting persistent non-compliance issues.
An official from BMC’s K west ward, affirmed the premeditated nature of the demolition, citing prior notices and inspections conducted well in advance of recent events. “We had already issued notices, conducted an inspection and passed the demolition order much before the hit-and-run incident. We are doing the compliance already of the notices issued earlier,” stated Alle, emphasizing procedural adherence. The Vice-Global Tapas Bar’s operations were also recently curtailed by the excise department, which sealed the premises on multiple grounds, including illegal construction activities and unlicensed liquor service.
