Future tense for staff as liquor ban hits hotel and food industry in Ggn

Uncertainty prevails over the future of hundreds of employees of bars and pubs that are set to close in the light of the Supreme Court banning sale of liquor within 500 metres of national or state highways. In Haryana alone, more than 10,000 workers could lose their livelihood in the event of these establishments shutting down.

With over 42 liquor shops and 110 pubs that generate a significant chunk of state revenue, Gurgaon is likely bear the brunt of the Supreme Court ruling. While small pub or restaurants have about 20 to 25 employees working in double shifts, a watering hole or eatery at a five-star hotel has anywhere between 30 and 35 staff members working in three shifts.

“There are people who will be indirectly hit by the closure as there are workers who maintain the pubs and bars, provide security valet service. Then there are the bouncers who provide security

and the musicians who add to the ambience at these places,” Manbeer Choudhary, president, Hotels and Restaurant Association of Haryana, said.

As per the industry’s estimate, business generated by liquor trade in Gurgaon is likely to dip

by more than half as major restaurants at CyberHub, Sector 29 and Sohna Road will have to shut down or relocate. “Cancellations are pouring in at top luxury hotels, as guests from abroad, who enjoy their drinks, are booking stays in areas where the ban doesn’t apply. Even the airlines staff in Delhi and Gurgaon, who often put up at the hotels here, have asked to be shifted,” he said.

Senior members of the industry on Monday met chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar in the hope of some relief. Another delegation from the hotel and liquor industry met Union tourism minister Mahesh Sharma in Delhi and sought the Centre’s help.

The employees in Gurgaon voiced their worries. “I am not sure what the future holds for us and this uncertainty is giving us sleepless nights. Many of us are from the same village and would be in real strife if these restaurants close,” Mukesh, who works at a restaurant in Sector 29, said.

A large number of the workplace in pubs and bars hail from the Northeastern states, mainly Uttarakhand and Nepal.

Gurgaon deputy commissioner Hardeep Singh said they have formed two teams on the directions of Haryana chief secretary to ensure the order is implemented.