Police extend operating hours for eateries in Ludhiana

The Ludhiana Police Commissionerate has extended operating hours for eateries, including restaurants and bars, across the city.

In an order released by the commissionerate, Deputy Commissioner of Police (HQ), Ludhiana, Snehdeep Sharma, exercising powers vested under Section 163 of the BNS, 2023, it is stated that restaurants and bars not having excise licenses L-3, L-4, or L-5 can operate till 2 am and hotels and bars having excise licenses L-3, L-4, or L-5 can remain open till 2 am. However, an extension up to 3 am is permitted, provided establishments meet the norms specified under the existing excise policy.

It also emphasises the safety of employees and visitors, particularly women. According to the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act and a notification dated July 15, 2024, establishments open past 10 pm must provide separate lockers, restrooms and security for female employees. Women cannot work after 8 pm without written consent and safe transportation to home must be ensured for them. The Prevention of Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, must also be enforced in these establishments.

Further, the order mandates stringent safety measures, including installation of CCTV cameras with a minimum 15-day recording backup, provision of emergency alarms and adequate security staff to prevent disturbances, well-lit parking spaces or valet services to avoid traffic disruptions, strict compliance with noise pollution guidelines, ensuring levels do not exceed 10 dB(A) above area standards or 75 dB(A) between 10 pm and 6 am as per the Supreme Court and Punjab and Haryana High Court rulings.

Amarvir Singh, president, Hotel and Resort Association, Ludhiana, thanked Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora for providing much-needed relief to their businesses. “It was our demand for the past over 10 years,” he said, adding that it was only around 10 days ago that the issue was brought to the notice of the MP.