Pune: All hotels were closed for six consecutive months during the COVID-19 lockdown. Restaurants were then allowed to have a parcel service till 7 pm during the unlock period. However, the restaurant operators still had to face harassment from the police, as well as from the Pune Municipal Corporation officials.

The authority has also complained directly with the Municipal Commissioner and demanded extension of the restaurant opening time by the Pune Restaurant and Hotels Association. It is learned that the Municipal Commissioner has given the green light to this demand and has allowed the parcel service in hotels to continue even after 7 pm. A new order in this regard is likely to be issued today.

Pune Restaurant and Hotels Association president Ganesh Shetty and Kishore Sarpotdar, Sandeep Lamba had met Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar on Thursday and lodged a complaint with him. Restaurant operators are doing cassava business after enduring many difficulties. Some are choosing to close their businesses. He lamented that instead of helping them, they were being harassed.

Most people decide to order dinner only after 7 pm. Therefore, it was demanded that the restaurant should be kept open at 11 pm instead of 7 pm. Drivers are strictly following all the rules of health safety. No one gives customers access inside. Parcels are delivered over the counter. Crowds are not allowed. Drivers are careful to ensure that both the customer and the employee use the safe distance, sanitiser and mask, so it was demanded that the action be stopped and the time be extended.

Due to this decision of Pune Municipal Corporation, the inconvenience of the students, as well as the working class in the city, will be avoided.

It is learned that the Municipal Commissioner has given permission to continue the parcel service in hotels even after 7 pm, considering the financial constraints of hoteliers in the city, and the students as well as the working class of the city.

Ganesh Shetty, President, Pune Restaurants and Hotel Association said, "The restaurant business is in financial trouble. Many businesses depend on this business. Give us the rules and consider allowing restaurants, hotels to start with minimal attendance. If not, extend the parcel service time."