The Model Shop and Establishment Bill approved by the Centre on Wednesday, which will permit eating joints, movie theatres, malls and local markets to remain open round the clock, has evoked mixed response from the residents. While the retailers and the restaurateurs hailed the move saying that it will go a long way in boosting the economy and employment, small traders and market associations feel that it would only benefit larger establishments that can bear the costs of additional infrastructure and staff. The Act applies to businesses that employ 10 or more people, leaving out kirana shops.
Women too have mixed reaction to the Act. While some feel that having a restaurant and entertainment segment run 24×7 is a good option and will enable the residents to enjoy nightlife, others expressed concern over security, feasibility and functional issues that implementing the new law would entail.
“The Bill is good as far as restaurants and movie halls are concerned and would help people enjoy night life. However, stores which sell garments and other items may not benefit much unless there is really a good footfall in the malls during wee hours,” says Hemlatha Mane, a resident of Nerul, Navi Mumbai who owns an establishment in the city’s leading Mall.
“As a girl, I love shopping and hence the decision to allow malls to remain open 24×7 would be great. But the main concern will be security. With all the news starting from robbery to drink and drive to eve teasing, I’d not feel safe when I’m out in the night. 24×7 Act is a nice idea, but how much it would work out for the good, is a far-fetched topic,” says Ashuli Jairaj, a resident of Bangalore.
Questioning the security aspects and especially the traffic chaos, which is a major issue in Mumbai already, Yesodha T. Saika, who runs an exclusive label in home décor and furnishing says, “I feel the new rule may do both good and bad to the society. It will have a staggering effect on security and traffic as a negative. However, limited food courts to remain open, is a good move but it will not be feasible for the entire mall to function”.
“Safety of employees and patrons, particularly women, would be a concern and the police would not be happy with the added pressure,” feels Nandita Das, a resident of Calcutta.
Navi Mumbai Kharghar resident, Manisha Jhamb, who also runs an online store of Indian garments, feels the initiative is good but questions the number of footfall a mall will see in wee hours. “The initiative is good. However, what will be the success rate one will get to know only when the rule is implemented. Nevertheless, the rule will boost the night-life in a city like Mumbai which never sleeps,” she adds.