Restaurants, eateries upset over losses due to strict Covid protocols

THANE: Following the recent action by the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), restaurants and other eatery owners are upset as they are incurring losses due to the permitted 50 per cent seating capacity and similar Covid protocols.

Moreover, the crowd at streetside food joints and tea stalls continue as no action is being taken. The TMC claims that it is vigilant towards both restaurants and roadside eateries and those flouting norms are either fined or served notice.

Raghunath Rai, secretary, Thane Hotels Association, said, “The lockdown has impacted our business a lot. We have faced huge losses. The rentals are also high. Now, we have to follow the 50 per cent seating only rule. Even in that, hardly 40 per cent people visit hotels or opt for take-aways. Many have reduced the number of staff. We are not able to maintain the business. We are in support of the decision taken by the civic body, but we also have to face the consequences due to the current scenario.”

Since the sudden spike in the number of cases recently, TMC has increased its vigilance and sealed a few restaurants and bars this week. “We keep an eye on all food joints and establishments. Everyone has to strictly follow protocols. This week, we have sealed 10 restaurants, bars and one wine shop for crowding. If we find anyone flouting rules, such establishments will also be sealed immediately,” said Sandeep Malvi, deputy municipal commissioner, TMC.

Small-time eateries are also struggling to make ends meet. “Unlike before, there is hardly any business. Earlier, people used to gather at tea stalls. Nowadays, hardly anyone turns up,” said Lakkhan Trivedi, a tea stall owner near Panchpakhadi.

A roadside eatery outside Thane railway station in Thane, Mumbai on Friday.