Restaurants, hoteliers, hospitality providers wait for SOPs before starting business

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 1

Though MHA allowed hotels, restaurants and hospitality service providers to start functioning from June 8, the locals in this business are eagerly waiting for the government’s SOPs to start these services.

As per the local businessmen, the government’s SOPs are important before opening any venture as the fraternity is already facing challenges in finding labour, odd times of functioning, fixed building rents and managing employees’ salaries.

On Monday evening, the UT Administration issued fresh relaxations but did not mention anything on opening of the local hotels for dining facilities. However, when inquired, the UT Advisor confirmed that the facility will be allowed to start from June 8. “Takeaway and dining facility will be allowed as per MHA’s direction from June 8,” said Manoj Parida, Advisor UT.

The fraternity is also expecting relaxation in timings and clarity on running their businesses. “Right now, the orders only mentions for opening of restaurants we welcome this step. However, the viability of opening restaurants will largely depend upon the SOPs which in terms means scale of operational timings and occupancy of the restaurants,” said Manmohan Singh, Chairman, Hotels and Restaurants Association of Chandigarh.

“If the SOPs emerged to be very demanding, then the industry may not meet the operational fix cost which will again be a tough task for us. However, we are hopeful, that the MHA/Administration will take a positive view for our business,” added Singh.

The hospitality industry is also of the same view as they seek some relaxation in the fulfilling demands of the users. “We welcome the MHA orders, however we request the food served in hotels should be counted as essential commodity as majority like to dine out during late evening hours. Also, it will help us to revive us some revenue,” said Ankit Gupta, president, Chandigarh Hospitality Association.

Clarification of opening of bars

The local hospitality providers are also waiting for government’s clarification on opening of bars. As per MHA orders, the decision on opening of bars will be taken in the 3rd phase of the re-opening process, however there is no clarity on the word ‘bar’ as fraternity refer it in different types–standalone bars, night bars, pubs and serving bars. “To cater the need of customers, we need to get government’s clarification on opening of bars. To certain extent, majority of customers demand alcohol as per their need and the guidelines or SOPs should make it clear,” added Gupta.

Worry of fixed cost of rentals

Fixed of building rentals is also caging damage to this business fraternity. “We are demanding relaxations in timings, serving and functioning for this real fact of giving huge building rentals. If we run our business in good manner, it will be easy for us to payback,” said one of the restaurants owners.