Hyderabad: Irani chai milegi?

• Along with the relaxation, we urge the government to save the industry by waiving off property tax, excise duty, electricity bill and property landlords to waive off 50 percent rent

– G Ashok Reddy, president, Hyderabad Hotels Association

• There are 20,000 restaurants (big/small), hotels, mess and lodges and all have been affected due to Covid-19 pandemic

Hyderabad: Restaurant owners in the city are struggling as only takeaway is being permitted after relaxation in lockdown. Even as they gear up revising standard operating procedures (SOPs), the flow of customers is far from satisfactory.

"We are running into losses, only takeaway is allowed but restaurants are not making any profits by that. Seeing the plight of the hoteliers the association urged the authorities to allow restaurants in the city to open. But we have not heard any update from the authorities," said G Ashok Reddy, president, Hyderabad Hotels Association. There are 20,000 restaurants (big/small), hotels, mess and lodges and all have been affected due to Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Ashok Reddy, the hotels ensure that the groceries and stock that they get is sanitized by keeping it in salt water and in sunlight for a few hours, to ensure its safe and clean before entering the kitchen. Similarly, tables, doorknobs, taps, chairs and all possible points of contact are cleaned by sanitisers at regular intervals.

"Along with the relaxation, we urge the government to save the industry by waiving off property tax, excise duty, electricity bill and property landlords to waive off 50 percent rent," added Ashok Reddy. Speaking in same vein, Aman Chainani, managing director, Raahi Neo Kitchen & Bar, Proxy Bar & cafe, Kochi Brasserie and Franchise Partner Farzi Café, shared, "Keeping the norms in mind once the dining regulations are lifted, we will be having a disinfectant machine at every restaurant of ours. Until things get better, we are going to maintain a good distance among the tables and it will be made mandatory for all the staff to wear gloves and masks. From placing the order to paying the bills, the modes will be totally contactless," said Aman.

Shaaz Mehmood, Partner, Olive Group Hyderabad, shared, "We are working on contactless ordering and pick up for takeaways and this includes temperature checks for staff members and delivery personnel. We need to adapt and learn to live with the virus."