It seems that years of sustained efforts on the part of Delhi restaurants and the hospitality industry are finally showing positive results, which will help with job creation and boost the economy of the capital city of India.
Mr. Rajindera Kumar, a much-respected industry leader and
ever-active owner of the Ambassador hotel as well as former President of the Hotel
Federation, went to the extent of saying that the measures announced on October
7. 2020, by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister M. Sisodia
will make Delhi a model state as far as the hospitality industry is concerned.
Mr. Kumar has been spearheading a campaign for years to see
that hotels and restaurants get their due, so that the reliefs sought can
benefit all stakeholders.
Of course, as is the case around the world, COVID-19 has played a negative role. This can, however, be rectified by the positive measures to be implemented after the decisions made today, Kumar told this correspondent as he lauded the efforts of his industry colleagues from various associations and units.
The main relief comes in the form of allowing restaurants to
open 24 hours and giving the restaurants the liberty to increase covers by
using available space to the optimum level.
The Chief Minister said that Delhi restaurants are the pride
of the city and provide employment to thousands of people. “I have all the respective
departments to remove unnecessary hassles in the smooth running of restaurants
in Delhi,” he said.
The success of the relief measures will be watched with
great interest, particularly as other agencies like the police are also involved.
The issue of license fees and validity has also been taken
up at this time. Right now, liquor is allowed to be served in restaurants from
11:00 am to 1:00 am.
The present move in the hospitality sector is in line with
the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the current ruling Indian political party the
National Capital Territory of Delhi.