August 7, 2025: In a continued crackdown on unauthorised establishments, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday carried out a demolition drive at an outlet in the Kamala Mills compound, Lower Parel, and cancelled both of its restaurant licences.
The establishment in question, Living Liquids, had allegedly converted spaces originally sanctioned for retail use into a restaurant bar and wine shop. According to the civic body, the ground and first floors—meant for a garment store—were being used as a bar and wine outlet, while space earmarked for a tailoring shop had been turned into a dining area.
This action follows previous directives issued by Additional Municipal Commissioner (City), Dr Ashwini Joshi, in response to complaints regarding illegal constructions and operations of restaurants, pubs, and bars in the Kamala Mills vicinity. On July 31, BMC had similarly undertaken demolition operations and seized materials from multiple outlets in the area.
A joint inspection of Living Liquids was conducted on Monday and Tuesday, which revealed a host of violations. These included unauthorised change of use, enclosure of open spaces violating FSI norms, illegal terrace roofing, unauthorised wall construction, conversion of areas into cold storage units, modified doorways, and partitioning with wood and glass.
Following the inspection, a ‘stop work’ notice was issued on Monday, with eviction and demolition carried out the next day. The civic body also revoked both of the restaurant’s licences, citing unauthorised expansion and lack of a valid fire safety certificate, thereby posing a public safety risk.
The enforcement operation was supervised by Dr Joshi, Deputy Municipal Commissioner Prashant Sapkale, and G-South Ward Assistant Commissioner Swapnaja Kshirsagar. Representatives from BMC’s building, health, and factory departments, along with the State Excise Department, were also present. The BMC reiterated its commitment to public safety and warned that similar action would follow in other areas where irregularities persist.
Source: Mid-day
