Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali says the lifting of the ban on dance bars here is a positive development.

The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the operation of the Maharashtra Police Act that prohibited dance performances at eating places, beer bars and restaurants.

"Dance bars opening in Mumbai...I feel positive about it. I think there are several people who earn their livelihood out of numerous things. You feel bad when anything that gives a livelihood to people is stopped.

"I'm aware that dance bars are controversial, but I feel that the means of livelihood that had stopped will restart now. And I'm happy about it," Ali said at the music launch of the film "Once Upon A Time In Bihar" on Thursday.