Restaurants struggle to survive

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, September 3

Restaurants in Ludhiana, for which one had to wait or get a table booked in advance, especially at the weekend, wear a deserted look nowadays. Though a few have opened after the lockdown period, most restaurants still remain shut in the absence of kitties and small parties.

Jasdeep Singh Bindra, from Upper House and Greenhouse Café (which are still shut), told The Tribune that the restaurant business had been badly affected by the Covid pandemic, leaving employees and employers both in a devastating financial crisis. They have suffered huge losses due to a sudden lockdown.

He added: “Despite the financial crunch, most restaurant owners, whether small or big ones, have been trying to support the livelihood of their employees and their families in the hope of re-starting normal businesses soon. The new guidelines regarding permission to re-start restaurants with 50% occupancy while adhering to the norms have brought a sigh of relief for the food industry”.

At the same time, Vishal Malhotra from Bistro Flambois on Pakhowal Road, said though they had opened, the footfall had come down to just about 30 per cent. “The government has allowed the restaurants to open till 6:30 pm. I feel the timings should be extended till 10 pm at least (carry-home, home delivery or dining services),” he said.

Meanwhile, appreciating the government for taking stringent steps at this time when cases are peaking in Punjab, Typsy Bal from The Bruu Kiln said even if restaurants became fully operational, people would certainly avoid visiting them in this unsafe scenario.

“But we appeal to the local administration to allow home deliveries/takeaway till 9:30 pm or 10 pm. In Ludhiana, none takes dinner at 6:30 pm. So there are no sales till 6:30 pm,” said Bal.

With arrears of high rentals, maintenance and electricity bills, and taxes adding up month after month, most restaurants have already closed down while the others are on the verge of closure, said a number of restaurant owners.

Major demands of industry

A majority of restaurant owners want timings to be extended till 10 pm. How can anyone leave work and have dinner by 6.30 pm?, they asked. Chandigarh has extended the timings till 10 pm and also allowed to serve liquor at restaurants. Similar guidelines should be implemented in Punjab too to save the hotel industry.

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