Hospitality industry eyes better business with 24×7 shifts
Hospitality industry eyes better business with 24×7 shifts
PUNE: The spirit is high in hotels and restaurants in anticipation of a higher footfall of patrons, but the hospitality sector is a bit low with the watering holes not being in the list of establishments that can operate 24×7 in the state.
The state government has amended th1e Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Service Condition) Act, 2017, allowing shops, hotels, restaurants and malls to remain open round-the-clock in three shifts from Wednesday. Bars, pubs, wine shops and discotheques will continue to function in the restricted timings.
The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India said job opportunities may go up by 25% in the state because of the government’s decision.
Association president Dilip Datwani told TOI that the decision would give a boost to tourism and economy and help the hospitality sector to emerge even stronger. “We appeal to the state to consider allowing bars to be operational at least up to 3am, if not 24X7,” he said.
Association sources said the state’s decision may not be implemented immediately, as logistics such as staff strength, salaries and the feasibility of keeping the establishments open round-the-clock have to be checked. They said the police’s responsibility will go up in terms of maintaining law and order in the changed scenario.
Vikram Shetty, vice-president of Pune Restaurants and Hoteliers’ Association, said, “Commercial zones such as station areas and highways witness footfall throughout the night and need business outlets and eateries to operate even after midnight. Earlier, only five stars hotels could operate 24/7,” he said.
A city-based mall owner, “The only drawback is that the state has kept the bars out of the plan. Most people do not shop at night. So keeping a mall open throughout the night may not be financially feasible.”
Source : The Times of India
