Inked? Show it off for ‘democracy discounts’!
As Noida and Greater Noida prepare for polls on April 26, restaurants in both cities are offering discounts on a simple condition — vote! The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI)’s Noida Chapter announced a ‘democracy discount’ for customers with inked fingers and over 20 restaurants have come on board. “Restaurants will run this offer on April 26 and 27,” chapter head Varun Khera tells us.
“Our restaurants are social hubs where ideas mix. This will encourage citizens to be active participants in our democracy,” says Sahil Baweja, creative director and partner of Chica Loca by Sunny Leone, which is offering a 20% discount. “Voting is not a right, but a responsibility,” asserts Vikrant Batra, founder of Café Delhi Heights, which is also offering concessions on food and soft beverages across outlets.
Bars and bakeries have also jumped on the bandwagon. Molecule Air Bar is offering complimentary drinks and founder Sahil Sambhi adds: “If everyone at the table has voted, you enjoy a 10% discount.”
Meanwhile, Honey and Dough’s Aavika Chhawchharia says five lucky voters will receive cakes on a first-come, first-serve basis while all customers will be offered 10% off on bills above ₹1,000.
With first-time voters in focus, it isn’t just restaurants that are encouraging citizens to vote. Over 15 model polling booths in schools and colleges across Noida and Greater Noida are using handmade gifts and selfie points to attract young voters.
With the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi a month away, hotels, eateries, malls and markets too are gearing up for the polling frenzy. Most establishments in the Capital have been instructed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and local Deputy Commissioners to offer discounts between 10-20% that are valid from May 25 (voting day) to May 27, if customers exercise their voting rights and show off their inked fingers this election season.