Punjab's decision to allow dine-in services evokes mixed response

Neeraj Bagga

Advertisement

Tribune News Service

Amritsar June 25

The state government’s order to allow hotels, restaurants and resorts to operate at 50 per cent capacity has evoked a mixed response from the owners of various dine-in facilities.

Navdeep Singh Grover, owner of Astoria Food Pavilion, welcomed the move with open arms but also pointed out that some issues need to be dealt with to ensure smooth functioning of restaurants. “The closing time (8 pm) is too early for diners. Moreover, we have to wind up operations half an hour in advance to abide by the norm,” Navdeep said.

Restaurant owners have got a respite with the decision. But the strict guidelines and the 50 per cent occupancy rule will make it difficult to strike a balance between expenditure and revenue. Neighbouring states such as Himachal Pradesh have permitted eateries to open with restrictions but the latter have declined as it is not economically viable for them. —APS Chatha, president of the Amritsar Hotel and Restaurant Association

Navdeep’s restaurant resumed services with take-away and home delivery options on June 8 when the state gave relaxations in lockdown.

When asked how the business is going, he said: “It is slowly coming back on track. Despite rising costs, we are offering 15 per cent discount on home delivery to spur sales,” he said.

Vishal Sareen, managing director of Festyn Era and Festyn Royale resorts, is glad that marriages have been allowed with limited guests and strict adherence to social distancing norms and other health protocols. “The hospitality sector was hit hard by the lockdown but the decision to allow marriages to take place shows that the government is working to revive the industry and also protect the health of the people,” an Sareen said.

APS Chatha, president of the Amritsar Hotel and Restaurant Association, said restaurant owners had got respite with the decision. But the strict guidelines and the 50 per cent occupancy rule would make it difficult to strike a balance between expenditure and revenues, he said.

“Neighbouring states such as Himachal Pradesh had permitted its eateries to open with restrictions. However, the latter had declined as it is not economically viable for them,” he said, adding that social distancing was necessary but was not viable for hotels and restaurants as the profits would decline.