Restaurants, bars in Pune to close for seven days from tomorrow, industry body says they will get finished if lockdown happens
Restaurants, bars in Pune to close for seven days from tomorrow, industry body says they will get finished if lockdown happens

All restaurants, bars and eateries will be closed in Pune for the next seven days, starting April 3 i.e tomorrow.

However, home deliveries and take away/ parcel services would continue to remain in operation till 10 PM, said Pune Divisional Commissioner Saurabh Rao.

The decision was taken following a Covid-19 review meeting chaired by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

The city will go on a night curfew from 6pm to 6am, except for medical emergency and essential services for the next seven days. Also, during day time not more than five people can gather at a place.

Also Read: With no dinner biz in Maharashtra post 8 pm closure, restaurants fear big loss

"we have suffered a lot of losses in the first lockdown and were not compensated by either state or the central government on any taxes, licenses or bill. In fact the electricity bill was collected with high taxes," said Ganesh Shetty, President, Pune Restaurants and Hoteliers Association (PRHA) by adding that they will not tolerate this because the sector will not survive with this lockdown as 20 per cent of people have already closed their restaurants during the first lockdown.

The Association has also written a letter to the central and state government asking for relaxation.

Restaurant business which was already affected at large by early closures of 10 pm and then 8 pm schedule, this announcement comes as another setback for the sector.

The restaurant and hospitality industry representative in Pune slammed recent restrictions and suggestions of another lockdown, fearing that this may bring thousands of people on road.

"We are getting one set back after another. Things were little picking up post lockdown but with all restrictions it is like nail in the coffin because the government is not supporting the sector," added Sharan Shetty, President, Pune Hoteliers Association (PHA).

Maharashtra and Mumbai reported their highest ever addition of Covid-19 cases in a single day on Thursday. The state logged over 43,000 cases and 249 deaths in 24 hours.

 
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