Cover pic: Green Mantis, Khan Market, New Delhi.
Delhi’s lieutenant governor’s approval of a proposal allowing a number of establishments including restaurants to remain open 24 hours has been taken positively by the city-based restaurants.
Delhi lieutenant governor (LG), V K Saxena has recently approved a proposal to grant exemptions under the Delhi Shops & Establishment Act, 1954 in 314 such establishments’ applications, some of them pending since 2016. Serving liquor in restaurants and bars is currently permitted till 1 am, and the current exemptions to restaurants and hotels don’t extend the operational timing for serving liquor.
Often criticised for its lack of nightlife, the Indian capital may see a change in becoming a truly global city. The move, as many restaurateurs pointed out will only help the F&B sector if there is enough demand from consumers and the right infrastructure in place. Travel Trade Insider spoke to a few of the stakeholders.
Shikha Ashish Begwani, Owner, CosyBox, Toyroom and Ophelia
Restaurants being allowed to operate 24*7 will help boost the F&B sector, but the logistics for management are yet to be reviewed. We hope that the new licensing policies will provide opportunities for restaurants and expect a transformed nightlife in Delhi. This is sure to be considered a welcoming step for the restaurant industry which will help us with greater revenue generation, create employment, promote tourism, and uplift the economy.
After facing a halt in the pandemic, the industry is indeed positive about the new policy. But we are not ready with infrastructure and resources like transportation, conveyance, regulations, management, and storage of raw materials.
We are also yet to observe the footfall late at night as we usually see a dip post 2 am, hence, it is very difficult to comment on expectations with regards to walk-ins or reservations. Apart from that, kitchens are now more independent and innovative, so we are ready and excited to see a change in Delhi’s nightlife.
Sanjay Vazirani,CEO, Foodlink
Considering that the restaurant sector was one of the worst hits during the pandemic, allowing them to operate round-the-clock is a positive move. It will definitely bolster the growth of not just F&B sector but the overall socio-economic growth in the city.
The decision can increase economic viability by utilizing the otherwise unutilized hours of the space. Night-time will definitely see newer buyers including people who are very consumed in the day to step out or employees of call centres who don’t get great options during their active waking hours.
The 24-hour diners in large cities of commercial importance like New York and London have demonstrated huge success, especially with gen z teenagers and the young working class. The same is likely to be seen in Delhi. The move is expected to boost employment generation but the hospitality industry is already facing a huge shortfall in skilled manpower and that will have to be addressed to cater to the demands of a 24-hour city that never sleeps. But we are yet to see if the night customer turnouts are viable enough.
Chef Udit Maheshwari, Chef-Owner, Amaltas- Indian Tapas & Bar.
Letting eateries operate round-the-clock is definitely a good idea. For a place to operate longer hours there is a small additional cost of utilities and figuring out shifts for staff. Other than that, fixed costs like rentals (which are a significant part of a restaurant’s monthly expense) remain unchanged. On the other hand, being operational for longer hours allows restaurants a bigger window of opportunity to recoup their costs. The pandemic was especially tough for the hospitality industry, this move can prove to be a soothing balm. Places can choose their timings as per the demand they experience.
While a 24*7 operational window may not be viable for everyone there will be some brands following the Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) model which will definitely benefit from it. Others may open for longer and demand will build slowly. Whichever way it works out for any individual outlet, the industry as a whole can only benefit from this.
Sahil Garg and Chef Honey, Founders, Green Mantis, Khan Market, New Delhi.
In addition to being a dire public health crisis, COVID-19 has been the restaurant industry’s biggest test to date. After two years of the pandemic, things are starting to return to normal. The Delhi government allowing restaurants to operate around the clock will boost business for the sector and support the government’s overall plans to boost economic growth.
One of the largest employers in Delhi is the restaurant industry. After struggling during the pandemic, restaurant owners now have the demand and infrastructure to operate a business that will run 24*7.
Udit Bhasin Co-founder of Cafe OTB
We are glad to hear about this absolutely amazing move by the government of Delhi. The decision will boost the hospitality industry and bring forward a lot of opportunities for us to grab on, giving us chance to be more innovative and creative toward our everyday customers. Allowing restaurants to operate round-the-clock will also promote tourism and have a direct positive impact on the economy.
Sahil Sambhi Director Molecule, Distillery, The Drunken Botanist & Vietnam
Undoubtedly, this is the most amazing opportunity for all the restauranteurs like us to come forward with more out-of-the-box ideas to keep entertaining our customers now for a longer time span and also provide much wanted and the most desired nightlife in Delhi city. With this, we can directly boost our revenues and increase the level of employment and attract tourists to our city.