Good news for the Restaurant's Owners in the Capital: Delhi!

After strenuous efforts to stay afloat, Delhi restaurateurs got a gasp of air as CM Arvind Kejriwal, on Wednesday, permitted round-the-clock operations of restaurants in the city. After meeting the industry body and various departments like excise, tourism, and fire service, the Delhi government also announced major reforms to facilitate the ease of doing business.

Apart from operating 24x7, restaurants in the capital will be free from the need for a tourism license and multiple other licenses, like the health and trade ones, issued by the local bodies. Furthermore, excise rules to allow service in open areas and balconies without extra fees and permit licenses for all types of music will be amended.

The NRAI delegation made a detailed presentation seeking various relief and easing of myriad existing regulations and permit raj which can help propel the restaurant Industry on a fast and smooth growth trajectory in Delhi.

Speaking on the meeting, Anurag Katriar, President of NRAI; CEO Executive Director of deGustibus Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. said, “On behalf of the industry, I profusely thank CM of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi Government for their path-breaking initiatives towards Ease of Doing Business for Restaurants Bars in Delhi. During our meeting, we conveyed to them that we are fighting a grim battle for our existence and we will need urgent policy and fiscal support from the Government to survive this phase. Each issue was discussed in detail and the CM gave clear directives to all the respective department heads to remove unnecessary hassles in the smooth running of restaurants in Delhi in a time-bound manner.”

The decision has arrived when the restaurant was in need of ventilator support. Allowing to operate long hours will further help in boosting revenue and will generate more employment opportunities. However, restaurant owners anticipate that to operate 24x7, it would most likely need permission from the Delhi Police.

Vishal Anand, Director, Moonshine Food Ventures said that the restaurant industry has been under the permit raj for a long time but this is a welcome move by the Delhi Government. “We need to wait how this unfolds but this is indeed a very positive move to make Delhi a world-class food nightlife destination. This step will definitely give a much-needed boost to the much affected fb industry and create a positive business environment, which is the need of the hour,” he added.

According to Nikhil Arora, Co-Founder, The Tummy Section, Delhi, the decision will be a game-changer for the hospitality industry. The restaurant industry is one of the most affected industries during the pandemic and this move by the Delhi Government will benefit not only the owners but employees too as it will bring in lots of new employment opportunities especially for the youth and earn a bit extra. “This decision will help to get some more unique concepts by young restaurateurs entrepreneurs in the FB industry which will be great to watch in the coming months,” he added.

Joy Singh, co-partner, Raasta Yeti feels that by abolishing the ‘permit raj’ it will be easier and faster to get the licenses. “We would be able to work in peace and focus on our business rather than being busy half the year acquiring or renewing different licenses. I would agree that promises have been made earlier as well by the previous governments but this time it has a deadline attached to it,” he said.

“The new license initiative would make the entire process of acquisition much more effective whilst maintaining a thorough check of all norms that need to be followed for the same.

We have full confidence in the progressive approach of the current govt. that they will meet this endeavor with successful fruition as it has a deadline attached to it,” said Rohit Aggarwal, Director Lite Bite Foods.

“Having said that, I urge the government to take some further measures to boost the demand in the hospitality industry. This could be achieved in certain ways such as relaxation of GST and easier policies such as the allowance of food trucks and updation of alcohol policies,” said Jatin Mallick, Chef Co-owner, Tres.

News Courtesy: ET