Businessman and Producer Ronnie Rodrigues Raises Alarm Over Illegal Liquor Service to Minors at Mumbai’s Hop Kitchen & Bar

Demands Swift Police Action and Transparent Investigation into Nightlife Violations

Mumbai’s nightlife industry finds itself under serious scrutiny after a shocking revelation by renowned businessman, producer, and philanthropist Ronnie Rodrigues, CMD of Pearl Group of Companies and producer of the upcoming Arbaaz Khan-starrer Maine Pyaar Kiya Phir Se.

Rodrigues has exposed a deeply disturbing incident involving the illegal service of liquor to underage girls at Hop Kitchen & Bar, located in Lokhandwala, Andheri West. The alleged incident took place on the night of October 16, sparking outrage and raising serious concerns about ongoing violations in Mumbai’s hospitality sector.

According to verified reports, two minor girls were served vodka without any form of age verification. Both girls reportedly fell ill after consuming the drink and had to be rushed to Cooper Hospital.

Addressing the media at his Mumbai office, Ronnie Rodrigues expressed outrage over the negligence and alleged manipulation of facts in the police report.

“A 15-year-old girl being served vodka is not just irresponsible — it’s criminal. What’s worse, the FIR has been tampered with. It falsely records the drink as beer, even though the bill clearly mentions vodka. The FIR is also dated October 15, whereas the incident occurred on October 16. This clearly shows manipulation,” Rodrigues stated.

He further revealed that the FIR omits the names of the bar owner, manager, and staff, thereby compromising the investigation’s integrity.

“When video footage clearly shows vodka being served, how can the report say otherwise? Why are those responsible being shielded?” Rodrigues questioned.

The producer further alleged that a nexus of protection exists between certain bar owners and officials, allowing such illegal activities to flourish in exchange for weekly monetary payoffs. He demanded a transparent and independent investigation by the Oshiwara Police and the Excise Department, free from external pressure or influence.

Adding weight to his claims, Rodrigues also revealed details about another bar – Metro Bar & Restaurant in the same area – which, according to him, has been operating without a valid liquor license.

“They’re running two venues under one license and selling liquor sourced from nearby wine shops. Despite filing a complaint two months ago, there’s been no action taken,” he revealed.

Highlighting double standards in law enforcement, Rodrigues questioned the priorities of the authorities:

“Street vendors are fined for small violations, but bars serving liquor to minors operate till 5 a.m., when the legal closing time is 1:30 a.m. Are authorities deliberately ignoring this? Or is there a deeper rot in the system?”

Despite having filed multiple written complaints on August 9 and August 18, Rodrigues said the lack of response reflects gross negligence and systemic corruption.

“This is not about one bar – it’s about protecting our youth and restoring faith in the system. Serving alcohol to minors is a serious crime, and those responsible – whether bar owners or officials – must face the law,” he asserted.

Ronnie Rodrigues’ exposé has now triggered public outrage and intense media attention, with growing calls for a high-level inquiry, seizure of CCTV footage, and strict action against bars violating excise norms and endangering public safety.

Mumbai’s nightlife, long known for its glamour and glitz, is once again under the scanner – and this time, the call for accountability comes not from a politician or activist, but from a businessman and film producer unafraid to speak the truth.