Dance Bar Bill passed in Maha Assembly

The Maharashtra Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed the Dance Bar Regulation Bill, which has provisions for stringent actions against the violators. The Bill was cleared by the Legislative Council on Monday, paving the way for reopening of the dance bars.

MoS for Home, Ram Shinde tabled the Bill in the Assembly and it was passed unanimously.  The new Bill fixes accountability on the owner in case of violation of rules, exploitation of women employees, or in cases of obscenity. Owners or operators face up to up to five years in jail and fines of up to Rs 25,000 for violations. Separate rules are being formulated on this, based on the provisions of the Bill. Dance bars must be at least a kilometre from any education or religious institution, their timings restricted between 6 PM and 11.30 PM, and liquor not to be served in the performance area.