Happy hours: Delhi restaurateurs hail reopening of bars, extension in timings of eateries

Restaurateurs in the city could not be happier, for they feel extended timings and permission to serve alcohol will help revive the dining scene

The Delhi government, in a fresh order, permitted reopening of bars in the Capital, with 50% seating occupancy, from noon till 10pm. It also granted permission to restaurants to operate till 10pm instead of 8pm, giving them an additional two hours. And, restaurateurs in the city could not be happier, for they feel extended timings and permission to serve alcohol will help revive the dining scene.

Delhi government has permitted reopening of bars in the Capital, with 50% seating occupancy. It has also allowed restaurants to operate till 10pm instead of 8pm (Photo: Amal KS/HT)

“All table reservations were coming in late evening, as patrons were unaware of timings. Also, most customers asked for alcohol. Now, even if we won’t see large groups coming in, the average person cost is going to go up, adding to the revenue,” says Radhika Khandelwal, chef-owner of Fig & Maple.

Renowned bartender Yangdup Lama, and founder, Sidecar, says the extension in timings will greatly benefit bartenders, bar and restaurant owners. “At a bar, there are hardly any takeaway orders. An extension gives a window to operate for additional hours, and will help space out reservations,” he says.

Hoping to see an increase in patrons, Avantika Sinha Bahl, owner of Kampai and Mai Bao, says, “We were losing dinner service, with the 8pm restriction. Footfall seems to be promising in the coming days.”

Moreover, restaurateur Priyank Sukhija wishes to get a further extension as he says, “Hopefully the numbers [of Covid-19 cases] decline further and the industry gets to open beyond 10pm soon.”