Amid a massive spike in the number of coronavirus cases, the Maharashtra government imposed fresh curbs and a night curfew from Sunday night, March 28, which has caused distress among businesses that are associated with hospitality, food and beverages sector fearing that stringent rules could cripple the industry.
The state government has ordered restaurants, malls, cinema halls and public places to shut down by 8 pm. The restrictions also stop more than five people from gathering together in public places after 8 pm.
Besides, the government had earlier directed the authorities to not function with more than 50 per cent of capacity in malls, restaurants and hotels.
Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR) said that Mumbai is a busy city, the people start reaching their houses by 8-9 pm. In such a situation the directives by the state are actually pointing out to a total lockdown for our businesses.
“The sudden curbs announced by the state government will have a major impact on our industry. The restaurants are headed towards complete collapse and if the government doesn't give a second thought then days are not far to see the reverse migration of our staff to their home states soon,” said Shivanand Shetty, President of AHAR.
“Around 30 per cent of restaurants have already shut permanently due to unavailability of business. We were barely surviving post a draconian lockdown. To run a mid-sized restaurant we require a minimum of 50 employees so that our operations run smoothly. Our sector directly and indirectly; employs around two crore people in the state of Maharashtra, whose family is dependent on our industry's survival. If such frequent curbs are introduced without giving much thought, our businesses will be doomed and we will be left with no option then to shut our restaurants permanently,” added Shetty.
Shop owners in malls have also complained that random testing at malls and restricted store timings, is likely to slow the demand for big products.
Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had last week started rapid antigen testing (RAT) at random at crowded places in Mumbai, including malls, railway stations, bus depots, khau galli, markets, tourist places, and government offices.
Moreover, hawkers in the city have also said the night restrictions will see them losing 70 to 80 per cent of their revenue as sales are high during the evening time. Those who depend on daily income will suffer a lot. Taking note of new curbs, police started shutting down hawkers from 7 pm, said Hawkers’ union.
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