Fire department officials withhold the licence of the plush lounge after civic authorities command it to reapply for NOC

Zenzi, the plush eatery at Waterfield Road in Bandra can't catch a break. After civic officials came down hard on the lounge ('Demolition squad at Zenzi Lounge', January 12), it is the fire department's turn.

The department has put on hold the no-objection certificate (NOC) of the lounge, which is a must for all eateries.


MiD DAY report on January 12

The lounge was asked to get a fresh NOC from the fire department after the BMC had demolished the allegedly illegal wall and water tank at the bar.

However, on January 15, fire officials had to put Zenzi's fire NOC on hold. Confirming the same, RB Kholkumbe, deputy chief officer, Mumbai fire brigade said, "We had received an application from Zenzi for a fire NOC.
u00a0
The application was made on Zenzi's letterhead. We had issued the NOC but as soon as we realised that the application was made on their personal letterhead we revoked their NOC as an NOC is only granted when the BMC sends us a letter."

Explaining the reason for the hold, Kholkumbe said that they had received complaints from the BMC. He said, "Zenzi should not be allowed to run a kitchen on the premises till a fresh NOC is issued.

We had received remarks from the BMC regarding renovation and alteration in the floor plan, which too were reasons to place the NOC on hold."

Dr Shridhar Kubal, senior official from the health department (BMC) too confirmed that the fire NOC for Zenzi has been revoked.
u00a0
"We are yet to get an official letter from the fire department but it is true that the license has been revoked. The lounge has violated several norms. We will take stern action if needed."

The Other Side
N D Shirodkar, spokesperson of Zenzi Lounge, said, "The MOH (medical officer health) accepted our fees for renewing the licence on December 28, 2010. But the licence was not renewed. We learnt that we have to obtain the NOC from the fire brigade department so we directly approached the department and obtained the NOC, which was submitted to the MOH on Jan 11." When asked whether the fire NOC has been put on hold, Shirodkar added, "I wish to state that neither the BMC nor the fire brigade has communicated anything about this officially. I cannot comment any further as the matter is subjudice."