Dine-ins allowed: Restaurants open to tepid response in Punjab
LUDHIANA/AMRITSAR/JALANDHAR/ PATIALA/BATHINDA: A day after the Punjab government relaxed the lockdown conditions for restaurants, hotels and other hospitality services and allowed dine-in facility with 50% occupancy, eateries across the state opened to a low response on Wednesday.
Most of the restaurants in Ludhiana remained shut as the owners are either making arrangements or are looking at the feasibility of starting their establishments amid relaxed conditions.
Though some restaurants opened with a hope that their business would be back on track in the coming days after coronavirus-induced lockdown/curfew came into force on March 23. The government had allowed restaurants to open on May 8, but only for home delivery of food and takeaways till 8pm.
Manager of Tea Hut, a restaurant in Sarabha nagar, Mandeep Singh said: “Though the footfall was low, but eased curbs have given us some hope. Seating arrangements have been changed to maintain social distancing, thermal screening of visitors is being done and hand sanitisers are being provided.”
President of hotel and restaurant association Amarvir Singh said: “Some restaurants have opened in Ludhiana and others are making arrangements as shortage of labour is an issue.”
MAJOR RESTAURANTS REMAIN SHUT IN AMRITSAR
Major eateries remained closed in Amritsar. “There are no tourists due to restrictions. We will not open our restaurant until the situation improves,” said Subhash Vij, owner of Bharwan Da Dhaba, situated at the Heritage Street near the Golden Temple.
Amritsar district has the maximum number of Covid-19 cases in the state and there are two containment zones covering around two dozen localities in the walled city.
GOOD RESPONSE IN JALANDHAR
Most of the restaurants opened in Jalandhar on Wednesday. “This is a good move and we are following all government guidelines to ensure the safety of visitors. Food is packed and served by trained workers after wearing gloves and masks,” said Satish Jain, owner of Haveli Restaurants and Resorts.
Rajan Chopra, MD, Ramada Hotel, Jalandhar, said: “We are yet to open our Chinese restaurants due to labour shortage.”
In Patiala, the government decision to relax restrictions has come as a big relief for restaurant and hotel owners. Vipin Sharma, honorary secretary of Patiala’s famous Gymkhana Club, said the safety of customers will be given top priority and strict implementation of government guidelines will be followed.
However, Bathinda restaurateurs are sceptical to resume dine-in facility with laid down restrictions. On day one of relaxation on Wednesday, eating out places did not see any visitors.