Shutters down at Gurgaon’s Sec 29 after ban on liquor sale

GURGAON: A large numbers of popular restaurants in Sector 29 have closed due to the liquor ban as the number of visitors fell considerably after the Supreme Court ruling. Sales too have dropped drastically since April 1.

The apex court had recently reiterated that its verdict banning the sale of alcoholic beverages at establishments located within 500 metres of state and national highways will extend to hotels, restaurants, pubs and bars too.

Since then, a majority of establishments serving liquor at CyberHub, Sector 29 and Sohna Road have been shut.

“We had to shut down as hardly anyone visits just to have food. The market survives only on liquor and without that we cannot operate and survive,” said a senior manager of an outlet in Sector 29. Employees of such outlets were worried as their future is uncertain and they do not know how long this situation will prevail. If the shutters remain down for another week, they will lose their jobs.

“I have been working in Gurgaon for nine years and it is not possible to get the salary I am getting here anywhere else. It’s not only a loss to owners and employees, but also of the food and hospitality industry,” said Ajay Sharma, senior manager of a closed outlet. The staff was informed through calls and messages that they do not need to come to work for a while. They will join once there is clarity on the future of such establishments. Otherwise, they will have to start looking for jobs.

“I received a call from my manager on Sunday morning telling me that I didn’t need to come to work as we have closed operations. He had no clue till when we would remain shut,” said Hemant Kumar, a member of the service staff of a prominent restaurant in Sector 29.

Staff members said government officials have been visiting the establishments since Saturday, but there is no clarity regarding the calculation of the distance from the highways.