Bar owners, restaurateurs say cheers as Punjab Govt allows reopening of bars, pubs
Bar owners, restaurateurs say cheers as Punjab Govt allows reopening of bars, pubs

The Punjab government on Tuesday further eased Covid restrictions, allowing reopening of bars, pubs and taverns with 50 per cent capacity from July 1.

Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister, Punjab also stated that the restaurant and bar owners will also have to ensure that their staff members take at least one dose of Covid vaccine and the social distancing guidelines are followed.

The next phase of restrictions will remain in force till July 10.

Citing the above move healthier for the restaurants and bars, restaurateur across many cities of Punjab expressed their heartfelt thanks to the government.

“We are happy with the Govt’s move to allow us to serve liquor from tomorrow because working on 50 per cent capacity that too with limited hours operation and without liquor was difficult,” shared Manmohan Singh of The Glassy Junction, Jalandhar that was one of the first pub in the city.

The pub has also got its staff vaccinated with the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine and is ready to operate in full swing from tomorrow, expecting diners to come from tomorrow.

“Delivery alone is not sufficient for running a restaurant and liquor business that too when delivery aggregators like Zomato and Swiggy charge too much,” he added by pointing that he has asked all his employee to join back from tomorrow and for him adopting to all protocols and system will take time.

Expressing satisfaction over the decline in positivity rate, the CM noted at a Covid review meeting that in some districts, it was still over 1 per cent.

Similarly, Chandigarh that opened its restaurants and bars last Wednesday has witnessed guests coming back to their outlets.

“We have seen a little increase in the footfall as compared to last week as people are now venturing out for a good meal and liquor,” said Amit Sharma of Ministry of Bar, Chandigarh that is following all the safety norms and protocols as per the UT guidelines shared by the government.

As per the customer is concerned, the bar is hosting a mix of corporate and families at this point in time.

“There’s no denying that not even 50% capacity is full but we have seen the business coming in,” he added by pointing that customers are still apprehensive of eating out.

 
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