Pune eateries seek resolution from Police about early closures

Hoteliers and restaurateurs have taken issue with recent orders from the Police Commissioner concerning the stringent application of rules for city establishments. 

The United Hospitality Association (UHA) members have voiced their dissatisfaction, specifically regarding the 1.30 am bar closure deadline. They have cited incidents of purported police harassment in busy areas such as FC Road, Baner, Kalyani Nagar, Viman Nagar, Kothrud, and Karve Nagar.

Speaking to Pune Pulse, Ganesh Shetty, President, Pune Restaurants and Hoteliers Association, said “We follow & agree to the regulations of the Pune Police Commissioner about restaurants, eateries etc being open till 1:30 am. However, it takes some time for the staff of the restaurants, eateries, hotels etc to wind up everything for the day after 1:30 am. So, that needs to be considered for which 1-hour extra time has been allotted for the staff to wind up everything, have their meals etc. Also, some officers try to shut down restaurants well before the time limit. These & some other things are to be discussed with the Police Commissioner, for which we have asked for a meeting, which will mostly happen today (21^st February) itself.”

UHA members claim that even though bars are supposed to close at 1.30 am, police frequently give the order for establishments in these areas to close as early as 11 pm. Concerns were also expressed regarding the absence of formal directives defining the closing hours of eateries that don’t serve alcohol.

According to another hotel owners association, they plan to ask CP Amitesh Kumar to provide clarification on the closing times for restaurants that don’t sell alcohol. The Pune police commissionerate is responsible for over 1,200 permit rooms, over 10,000 family restaurants, and hotels. There are no circulars or guidelines that specify the hours for other establishments like small hotels, snack centers, chinese food eateries, family restaurants, even though permit rooms and beer bars have clear operating hours from 11.30 am to 1.30 am.

Shreyas Vange