25 November,2021 09:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Mehul Jethva
As per BMC rules, banquet halls can only operate at half their capacity. Representation pic
With several banquet halls flouting BMC's rule of allowing people only till 50 per cent capacity, the civic body has formed a special team that will work in tandem with the police to visit wedding halls and penalise them. Hall owners and organisers will be booked if COVID-related rules and regulations are being violated.
As December, termed as wedding season, is fast approaching, most halls and banquets across the city are already booked. A BMC official said, even as COVID cases are currently under control, a third wave may start in the coming days, and hence there is a need to follow the protocols. The official added that they have found several halls functioning with 70 to 80 per cent capacity as opposed to the permitted cap of 50 per cent.
According to the civic body, two teams will be deployed in each ward to inspect such halls. BMC Additional Commissioner Suresh Kakani told mid-day, "We formed special teams to control crowds in party halls. In every ward, there will be two teams who will visit halls and open grounds. If we find any hall violating the rules and regulations, action will be taken. We have informed the Mumbai police, and police officers will accompany the teams."
