The Association of Hotels and Restaurants (AHAR), Mumbai, has expressed displeasure over a government decision to allow them to operate with a level 3 deadline. In addition, the association has also requested the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to reconsider their decision.
In level 2 cities like Thane, Navi Mumbai and Pune, resto-bars operate till 11 pm even on weekends. Meanwhile, malls and theatres can operate with 50 per cent capacity with normal closing hours. In level 3, malls and theatres cannot operate. Whereas, the deadline for restaurants and pubs in Mumbai is 4 pm on weekdays (full closure on weekends).
Reacting on the same, AHAR President Shivanand Shetty said: “We are highly disappointed with the BMC’s decision on continuing with restrictions meant for Level 3 even after the city has moved to Level 2. Restaurants and bars in Mumbai were looking forward to re-opening of businesses once the city moves to the next level. Though such decisions are destabilising things and makes mockery of the whole system and procedures announced by the administration.”
“We sincerely request the BMC to reconsider their decision and allow us to function with the applicable 50 per cent capacity under Level 2 as further delays are just adding to the debts and losses the industry has been facing,” he added.
Moreover, the move to determine locking and unlocking on the basis of weekly positivity rate caused unrest among traders, unsure if they will be allowed to operate the next week or call staff frequently, depending on levels.
Mumbai on Saturday, June 12, reached level 2 in terms of the weekly COVID-19 positivity rate. However, civic body chief Iqbal Singh Chahal said that the city will continue to observe restrictions mentioned for level 3. The decision was taken keeping the population density, local train transport and commute-related concerns and the current monsoon conditions in mind.
Also Read: BMC decides to vaccinate hotel and restaurant workers in Mumbai
Share
Tweet
