The decision is in line with the Center’s Unlock 5.0 strategy and came after a meeting between the industry associations and the CM. It will bring to life a sector that is one of the largest generators of employment but has been struggling to recover since the phased unlocking began in June. The CM also agreed to consider a waiver of excise license fees for the past six months.
Thackeray has advised hoteliers to ensure that all health and safety measures are followed. “Just as you are responsible for your family, you have a responsibility to employees and customers,” he said. Sources said the state will initially allow 50% capacity.
This is one of those Big Bang moves to unlock, which will stimulate the economy during festival season. However, both restaurant owners and their clientele need to be careful to ensure that a situation conducive to the spread of the virus is not created. The stakes are high here, mainly the livelihoods of millions.
Dos and Don’ts for Restaurants; now the government seeks comments
Monday’s meeting between Prime Minister Uddhav Thackeray and representatives of the hospitality sector ended when the government circulated a draft of a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for restaurants to resume operation.
Plans are to insist on a one meter distance between tables, use non-contact menus, insist on masks and gloves for all staff, avoid serving raw or buffets, and stick to bottled water (see chart). “The government is finalizing the SoPs. Once they are approved, we will formally announce the date of resumption of these services,” said a senior state official.
Shivanand Shetty of the AHAR industry association said that opening food services to less than 50% was impractical as many restaurants in the city have fewer than 10 tables and such an operation would not cover basic costs. There are around 15,000 restaurants in the city, including vegetarian establishments, permit rooms, and great places to dine.
It is estimated that between 30% and 40% of restaurants in the state are currently operating and offer home delivery and takeout. However, many others have closed, either permanently due to high rents or due to labor shortages caused by the exodus of personnel to their cities and towns of origin.
The reactivation is expected to benefit up to 60 lakh of direct employees and 1.8 crore of indirect employees who grow or supply agricultural, dairy, livestock and other commodities to these establishments.
Major industry forums, HRAWI and AHAR, welcomed the decision to reopen, which they said will help regenerate employment that has been stagnant since the last six months of closure. They said it would also generate revenue for the government. The industry generates around Rs 18 billion in revenue, mostly from excise duties and other licenses and fees from local bodies.
“We thank the Prime Minister, who today assured us that restaurants and bars will be able to reopen in the first week of October 2020. The CM also agreed to favorably consider HRAWI’s request for exemption from special license fees for six months, the duration for which the establishments had to be kept closed. In addition, the deadline for deferring payments for the first installment of the excise license has been extended until September 30, which will bring great relief, ”said Sherry Bhatia, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association. West India (HRAWI).
Shivanand Shetty, AHAR President, said: “On standard operating procedures, the government has included them and asked for our suggestions. Customer safety is of the utmost importance to us and we will ensure that standard operating procedures are followed. ”
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