COURTESY TOI SEPT 29
Maha bars, restaurants likely to reopen from Oct first week
Govt To Consider Excise Waiver For Last 6 Mths
Mumbai:
In a major move to revive the state’s economy, CM Uddhav Thackeray on Monday assured the four lakh restaurants and bars in the state that they would be allowed to resume operations from the first week of October, ahead of the Navratri festival starting October 17.
The decision is in line with the Centre’s Unlock 5.0 strategy, and came after a meeting between industry associations and the CM, report Chittaranjan Tembhekar and Bhavika Jain. It will breathe life into a sector which is one of the biggest employment generators but has been struggling to recover since phase-wise unlocking began in June. The CM has also agreed to consider a waiver of excise licence fees for the last six months.
Thackeray has advised hoteliers to ensure all health and safety measures are followed. “Just like you are responsible for your family, you have a responsibility towards employees and customers,” he said. Sources said the state will allow 50% capacity initially.