AARA opposes order to close restaurants by 9 pm during Durga Puja

GUWAHATI: The restaurant associations of the city have opposed the State government's decision to shut down restaurants by 9 pm during the puja days.

The government announced this in its set of rules and restrictions to be followed by the people of Assam during the period of Durga Puja 2020, to be held later in the month of October. Most of the restaurant owners of the city expressed disappointment with the decision.

The owners said that due to the nationwide lockdown they incurred huge losses and they are now dependent on the festive season.

Talking to The Sentinel, All Assam Restaurant Association (AARA) said they are planning to appeal to the government to at least extend the opening time till 10:30 pm.

"Already the eateries were closed during the lockdown which has impacted the industry. During puja, the restaurants and cafes will expect extra sales. The restaurants were allowed to reopen recently and most of the owners are recovering their losses," the AARA stated.

Manasdeep Chakraborty, a city dweller who runs two restaurants in the Zoo Tiniali area made a similar statement to the AARA. He said, "We have already incurred huge loses. We are in a recovery period now and are not happy with the government's decision. The people of Guwahati city come out of their houses at around 9 pm during puja. The government should understand this."

"People come out from their houses at night to have dinner. 8 pm to 10:30 pm are peak hours for us. Many families are dependent on our business thus the government should look into the matter," said Manas Bora, who owns a cafe in AIDC.

Ranjit Baruah, owner of Tea Lounge in Ganeshguri area said, "It is a losing propposition for us during puja. If the government has taken this decision due to health hazards then we will cooperate. We will make sure that all the restaurants follow the COVID protocol."