Maharashtra Lockdown: Restaurants likely to open from October first week

Restaurants, bars, and eateries in Maharashtra are likely to begin their operations from the first week of October. Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Office on Monday hinted that restaurants will be allowed to restart operations soon in Maharashtra.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is said to have given the clearance at his meeting with the industry on Monday. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte, Excise Secretary Valsa Nair Singh. The representatives of Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur restaurant owners association too were in attendance.

Sources added that the government has prepared an SOP for the restaurants to follow.

As reported by Indian Express, Ganesh Shetty, President of Pune Restaurant, and Hoteliers’ Association (PRAHA) said, “We had a fruitful meeting with CM Uddhav Thackeray and his team about reopening of the dine-in facility at the restaurants. The CM has assured us that the restaurant will be allowed to provide the service from October first week. He has asked us to ensure that the standard operating procedure (SOP) required to be followed.  The restaurants strictly adhere to it and the safety of the patrons is not compromised.”

Sources told CNBC TV18 that initially, restaurants may be allowed to start with 50 percent capacity.

The Times of India has reported that 4 lakh restaurants have agreed to the state government’s condition. of allowing only 50 percent capacity. This is to follow COVID-19 guidelines on ensuring social distancing.

Also Read: COVID-19 India: Maharashtra government extends lockdown till August 31