The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has appealed to all state governments to remove all COVID-19 related restrictions imposed on the hospitality businesses. It highlighted the direction from the central government, which urged states to lift these restrictions caseloads across the nation is on the decline. FHRAI has suggested that states should remove all restrictions on hotels, restaurants and MICE venues, especially the 50% capacity restriction.
“With the number of positive cases steadily tapering off, the fear in the minds of the people is gradually waning. Summer, which also is the domestic travel season, is right around the corner and is the next best holiday season for the hospitality industry after Christmas and New Year. This is an opportune window for the States to allow the hospitality sector to make the most of it. We appeal to all the State Chiefs to support the industry and immediately lift all kinds of restrictions imposed on hotels and restaurants,” said Pradeep Shetty, joint secretary, FHRAI.
The association has underlined that the removal of these limitations will go a long way in helping players in the beleaguered sector to recover from business losses steadily.
The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has also submitted a representation to the Maharashtra Chief Minister, Uddhav Thackeray requesting his Government to restore normal timings for all hotels and restaurants across all the Districts in the State. At present, the timing restrictions on hospitality establishments have been lifted in 12 districts, however, the remaining 24 continue to remain open only till 10 pm or 11 pm. Owing to this, restaurants across these 24 districts are continuing to face massive losses.
HRAWI has also requested that a clarification be issued by the Government towards the attendance of non-marriage events in hospitality establishments. The Association has requested that non-marriage events be allowed to operate at the same capacity as is applicable to the attendance in marriage events.
“The low caseload of positive COVID numbers which is below the 2000 mark now, is a good sign for the Government to lift all restrictions. The State now should do everything it can to bring back confidence amongst its citizens and businesses. While we are thankful that the Government has eased restrictions in 12 districts, the other 24 need to be offered relief now. Certain areas across these 24 districts including Thane, Nagpur, Nasik and Aurangabad, among others are still operating under restricted timings. Also events, marriage or otherwise, now need to be allowed to operate at full capacity. The hospitality industry needs this urgently. It would be extremely critical at this point that the Government makes the best of this opportunity and gives its businesses a fighting chance to make an attempt to bounce back to survive,” said Sherry Bhatia, President, HRAWI.
