Mumbai News: Restaurant Owners Find BMC's Roof-Top Cafe Policy Unclear, No Takers For Malabar Hill Viewing Gallery Tender

Despite extending it's deadline on tender to lease out it's Malabar Hill viewing gallery for setting up a roof top cafe, the BMC has not received any interest. The BMC has proposed to lease the 5000 sq ft viewing deck for 10 years at the cost of 11.72 crore. However, despite the iconic, tourist friendly location giving panoramic view of the Marine drive, restaurant owners say that the high lease cost and BMC's unclear policy on roof-top cafes is stopping them to show interest.

Cooking Restrictions Deter Investors

The BMC in its tender mentions that no cooking will be allowed at the terrace and only ready-to-eat food items, including tea and coffee will be allowed. Notably, the same location housed the famous Cafe Naaz until 1998. After the lease ended, the civic body took back the property and developed the now two-storeyed Pramod Navalkar viewing gallery.

The FPJ had reported on July 11 that the BMC has also approached the contractor who runs the cafeteria at Byculla zoo. However, officials said that even the contractor has not given a positive response.

'BMC’s Policy Still Vague': AHAR

Sudharkar Shetty, president of Indian Hotel & Restaurant Association (AHAR) said, "More than the cost, the main issue is BMC's unclear policy on roof-top cafes. Also when only re-heating or using induction is allowed, we cannot provide variety to the customers and footfall is less. With high rental cost, it is difficult to run profit-making business."

'Been Demanding More Clarity In BMC's Policy': NRAI

Meanwhile, Pranav Rungta from National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) said he has not seen the tender and BMC need to publicize it more. "Malabar Hill is definitely attractive location. If the tender is floated months ago, it has reached to many restaurant owners. Also, we have been demanding more clarity on BMC's policy on roof-top cafes and restaurants. Due to their stringent norms, many unregistered vendors end up doing business at tourists friendly locations."

While some restaurant owners feel, locations like Malabar Hill viewing gallery have visitors only during monsoon or vacations. Thus, running an cafe across the year is not feasible.