Chandigarh hoteliers want bars designated as nightclubs

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 3

Local hoteliers have demanded that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) should remove the word ‘bars’ and instead use ‘nightclubs’ or ‘banquet gatherings’, under the prohibited list of the Unlock 3.

The association concurs with the view that in the current times, it may not be a good idea to serve alcohol in nightclubs and large gathering banquets. However, the government should change the nomenclature of the word ‘bars’ to ‘nightclubs’ or ‘large gatherings’. There is a complete misunderstanding on this thing, which is clearly dampening our business — Ankit Gupta, Joint Secretary, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Northern India

As per the guidelines, released on July 29, ‘bars’ are not allowed to open.

However, local hoteliers claimed, “The usage of word ‘bars’ is creating confusion as it has several meaning in their profession for example pub bar, club bar and others.”

The demand has been raised as local hoteliers are not allowed to serve liquor by the UT Administration under the restrictions on ‘bars’.

“Restaurants have serving bars, which should be allowed to open to cater to the demand of their guests,” hoteliers added.

“Serving alcohol due to guest demand is an integral part of the hospitality services. The said alcohol services are provided in a outlet in four areas which include room service, A’la’ Carte restaurants/ lounges/ pubs/bars, larger gathering banqueting and nightclubs, where there is loud music/dancing and close contact of guests,” said Ankit Gupta, Joint Secretary, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Northern India (HRANI), and president, Chandigarh Hospitality Association (CHA).

“The association concurs with the view that in the current times, it may not be a good idea to serve alcohol in nightclubs and large gathering banquets. However, the government should change the nomenclature of the word ‘bars’ to ‘nightclubs’ or ‘large gatherings’,” he added. “There is a complete misunderstanding on this thing, which is clearly dampening our business,” he said.

“The HRANI will also submitted a memorandum to the MHA to bring clarity on the issue as the word ‘bars’ has done injustice to our business,” he added.

While hotels in Punjab are allowed to serve liquor to their guests, local hoteliers are still waiting for the UT Administration’s approval for the same.

“Since the night curfew has been lifted, the UT Administration should allow us to operate till 11pm and also change the word ‘bars’. Customers coming for dinners usually like to enjoy liquor, but due to unnecessary restrictions, we are unable to fulfil their demand. There are many meaning of ‘bars’. The government and the local authorities should come up with a solution,” said another hotelier seeking anonymity.

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