Key Takeaway: Curfew Cancels Eating Out Option

New Delhi: Dinner service starting after 9pm gave restaurants in Delhi-NCR almost 70% of their summer revenues. But with night restrictions in force from 10pm to 5am, most dine-in outlets have been reduced to being delivery and takeaway places, with small or no dinner sales. Most restaurants have stopped accepting post-8pm dinner reservations at 8pm and delivery orders by 8.30pm to ensure employees reach home before 10pm.

- Amin Ali & Sakshi Chand

Restaurants are complaining of harassment of staff and raids on premises, but the cops say their hands are tied because they need to implement the night curbs. “Many people we stop at pickets claim to be returning home after dinner. We tell them they can’t violate the regulations just because they stay close by,” said an officer in south Delhi. “The pubs, restaurants and bars that we booked weren’t following social distancing norms. It’s humanly impossible to check all places and bars, but wherever we see a crowd, we do take action.”

As for delivery executives, RP Meena, DCP (South-East), said, “The guidelines pertaining to delivery boys are clear that they must have an e-pass to do their work. We don’t stop anyone who has a pass. But moving around without a pass is a violation of the curfew rules.”