Wednesday, April 13 2005 14:09 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: The dance bar owners across Maharashtra will meet in Mumbai today (Apr 13, 2005) to decide about future course of action following State Government's order to close down such bars.

"We will disclose our stand only after the meeting," a Dance Bar Owners' Association official said in Mumbai.

Following its March 31 order to shut down all the dance bars in the State, except those in metropolis, the State Government had yesterday (Apr 12, 2005) announced to close the bars in the city also.

"The State Cabinet has unanimously decided to shut down the dance bars in the State," Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil said in the Lower House yesterday.

Patil, who also holds the Home portfolio, further said that the licenses given to the dance bars would be revoked.

In the larger interest of the State, all the dance bars would be shut down in the State, including 307 in the metropolis, Patil said adding, the State Government would also make running of 'illegal' dance bars a non-bailable offence along with punishment of three years to those who defy Government orders.

Patil said the police department, excise superintendents and district collectors would be entrusted with the responsibility for the implementation of the decision.