Restaurateurs firm on tweak in business hours demand in Pune

PUNE: Several restaurateurs, along with some non-essential shop owners and president of the Federation of Trade Association Pune, Fatehchand Ranka, submitted the keys of their establishments to the Faraskhana police station as a symbolic gesture to show their desperate need to be allowed to operate during hours, suitable for business.
Rahul Ramnath, co-committee member of United Hospitality Association said, “Groups of restaurant/eatery owners and other traders went to different police stations in Peth areas and Deccan region to request them to not take action against those who are participating in a peaceful protest to demand revision of shop timings in the city. It is a question of our survival now. We will adhere to the rules of weekend lockdown in the hope that some good news comes our way on Saturday. If our demands are not met, we will be hosting a silent protest along with other associations — such as the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Wester India), National Restaurant Association of India and the Pune Restaurants and Hoteliers’ Association on August 10.”
Ganesh Shetty, president, Pune Restaurants and Hoteliers’ Association said, “We met the mayor, who said he has sent a letter to deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar conveying our demands for a change in operation timings. We have requested to be allowed to operate at 50% capacity from 11am to 3pm and from 7pm to 10.30-11 pm.”
Restaurateur Sandy Singh said weekend lockdowns are responsible for over 70% loss of business for the hospitality sector in the city.
Senior police inspector Rajendra Landge, said, “The businessmen requested us not to take action against them for keeping their shutters open past the 4pm deadline while they protest to demand a change in shop timings. They tried to give us the keys to their shops which we did not accept. We told them to follow the rules and assured them that I will convey their message to my superiors.”
(Inputs by Asseem Shaikh)