Ghetto Pub’s Mumbai liquor licence suspended for 15 days over complaints and violations

South Mumbai's Popular Ghetto Pub Gets 15-Day Liquor Licence Suspension Over Noise, Traffic & Hygiene Complaints

The Mumbai City District Collector has suspended the bar licence of one of South Mumbai's popular nightlife destinations, Ghetto Pub on Bhulabhai Desai Road (Warden Road), for 15 days following complaints from local residents about late-night noise, traffic obstruction and unhygienic conditions around the establishment.Repeated violations citedIn an order issued last week, a copy of which is with The Free Press Journal, Mumbai City District Collector Anchal Goyal cited repeated regulatory violations, public nuisance and unauthorised structural alterations at the premises as grounds for the suspension.According to the order, groups of young patrons were routinely found loitering, chatting and smoking outside the establishment late into the night, obstructing the main road and inconveniencing commuters, including taxi users. The order also noted that taxi drivers frequently waited on the roadside for customers, resulting in traffic congestion in the area.Multiple surprise inspections conductedThe suspension follows a series of surprise inspections conducted by the State Excise Department and its flying squad on multiple dates in May and June 2026.A physical audit during the inspections revealed a significant discrepancy between the actual liquor stock available on the premises and the balance recorded in the statutory register. The Collector's order stated that the licence holder admitted to the lapses in a written explanation submitted in May and sought a lenient settlement by way of a monetary penalty. However, the plea was rejected.Lack of seriousness observedThe order observed that the authorities found a "complete lack of seriousness towards government rules and public safety". It further warned that unauthorised structural alterations within the licensed premises could pose a serious threat to human life.According to the Collector's order, several complaints had been received against the establishment, leading to hearings between the authorities and the restaurant management in May and June, followed by surprise inspections by the Superintendent of State Excise.Management admits mistakesThe inspection report recorded that young men and women were found congregating outside the pub, smoking and chatting, while vehicles waiting to pick up customers caused frequent traffic bottlenecks on the busy road. A resident of the area that taxis arrived at the restaurant at 2.00am. "The honking and the mess created in the road and footpath was unbearable," the person said.The District Collector's office said the licensee of M/s Ghetto Restaurant and Bar had admitted that they were not present at the licensed premises during the inspection and accepted responsibility for the violations.Mumbai Sees 28 Per Cent Surge In Dengue Cases, 18 Pc Rise In Malaria Until Mid-July; BMC Intensifies Monsoon Disease Control"They admitted to the mistakes that occurred on that day and gave an undertaking that such mistakes would not be repeated in the future. They requested that the matter be resolved amicably by levying the minimum possible fine," an official said.However, the Collector subsequently ordered a 15-day suspension of the liquor licence under Section 54(C) of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949.The order emphasised that only the District Collector is empowered to approve internal structural changes within licensed premises. It stated that carrying out alterations without prior permission constituted a serious violation and that such unauthorised modifications could potentially lead to untoward incidents endangering human life.Repeated attempts to contact the management of Ghetto Pub for comment were unsuccessful.The restaurant representative said that there were three breaches. "The licence was suspended for the first time in our 45-year-old history. The matter has gone for appeal. The hearing is due shortly," the person said, adding that the point made in the order about clients crowding outside the pub was an observation by the inspection team and did not breach any law.Your voice matters. If you have a community story, issue, or inspiring local experience to share, send it to community@fpj.co.in and be a part of the conversation.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

18 hours ago

SoBo Pub's Bar Licence Suspended Over Alterations

Mumbai: Following a series of surprise inspections by the Excise Department and complaints from local residents, the Mumbai City District Collector has suspended the bar licence of Ghetto Pub for 15 days under Section 54(C) of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act. One of South Mumbai's popular nightlife destinations, the establishment is located on Bhulabhai Desai Road (Warden Road).Mumbai Sees 28 Per Cent Surge In Dengue Cases, 18 Pc Rise In Malaria Until Mid-July; BMC Intensifies Monsoon Disease Control The order, issued last week, a copy of which is with The Free Press Journal, observed that the authorities found a "complete lack of seriousness towards government rules and public safety". Mumbai City District Collector Anchal Goyal cited repeated regulatory violations and unauthorised structural alterations as grounds for the licence suspension. A physical audit during the inspections also revealed a discrepancy between the actual liquor stock available and the balance recorded in the statutory register.The order further stated that the licence holder admitted to the lapses.The Excise Department's inspection report, prepared on the basis of complaints, recorded that young men and women gathered outside the establishment, listening to soft Western music, smoking and chatting. It also noted that taxis waited outside to pick up passengers. According to the Collector's order, complaints had been received against the establishment, leading to a hearing between the authorities and the restaurant management in May, followed by surprise inspections by the Superintendent of State Excise. The Collector's office said the licensee of M/s Ghetto Restaurant and Bar admitted that they were not present at the licensed premises during the inspection and accepted responsibility for the violations.A representative of the restaurant said there were three breaches. "These were administrative issues. There was a discrepancy in stock, and some internal designs were changed. The third related to individual permits issued to customers. The licence has been suspended for the first time in our history. The matter has been taken up in appeal and is sub judice."To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/ 

18 hours ago