Maharashtra: "We are left high and dry," says Restaurants' Association

Despite the Maharashtra government announced relaxations in timings of the restaurants and bars across the state, there are several districts following the earlier protocol. Owing to this, Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR), the apex body of the industry, on Tuesday, February 8, met Subhash Desai, State Minister of Industries, on restoring regular timings of restaurants in Aurangabad.

However, in a quick response, Subhash Desai, who is also the Guardian Minister for Aurangabad, immediately called up the collector of Aurangabad and asked him to extend the timings of restaurants with complete adherence to all COVID-protocols.

Commenting on this, Shivanand Shetty, President, AHAR said, “The restaurants in Aurangabad district were being pushed further into losses because of non-restoration of timings and hence we met up with Subhash Desai. We wholeheartedly thank him for his prompt action in speaking to the District Collector on this. In this hour of despair, the industry need such kind of support which will not only assist re-opening of businesses which are shut, but will also attract fresh investments thereby generating local employment opportunities.”

Earlier, the restaurants' association also wrote a letter to the minister requesting him to keep the restaurants open on regular timings, which were applicable during pre-COVID era, with complete adherence to all protocols. 

Moreover, AHAR also requested the Minister to reconsider the 15 per cent hike in excise fees which the industry won’t be able to bear as the industry has already suffered huge losses due to restrictions. "We are left high and dry as on one side we are not allowed to do our business and on the other side the fees are still the same and no waiver has announced by the government," the letter stated.

AHAR made this industry representation after Chief Secretary had laid down some criteria for opening up of districts post which restaurants and hotels had opened up, except in some districts including Aurangabad.

The restaurants' association stated that because of this, local unemployment shot up which is really bad for an industry which is reeling under heavy losses for the past two years due to frequent lockdowns and restricted timings. The Association’s contention was that extended timings will reduce crowding at restaurants and ensure compliance of CAB (Covid Appropriate Behaviour).