HUBBALLI
: The
Omicron scare
and the new curbs imposed by the state government have disappointed those planning to leave bitter memories of 2021 behind and begin the New Year with a midnight party and looking for brighter days ahead.
Even though experts had suggested that the government impose a blanket ban on New Year celebrations, the government has given partial relief to revellers as clubs and bars and restaurants have been allowed to serve food and liquor till 10pm. The night curfew will be implemented from 10pm to 5am.
The curbs have dampened the hopes of those running bars, restaurants and eateries as people will be reluctant to visit these places.
Even orchestra troupes have been left in lurch as hotels which had booked them for the New Year celebrations have cancelled bookings.
"We had planned grand cultural evening on the eve of New Year and now the government's order has forced us to cancel it. Apart from hoteliers, those supplying chairs, shamiana, pandal and stage decorations have lost an opportunity to make some money," said Jeevan Shetty, a businessman.
Not to take the risk of being caught by police, many people have planned to celebrate the New Year at home and have started stocking liquor in advance to avoid a last-minute rush.
Bars, restaurants and clubs have been asked not to organise any special programme to avoid crowds. Occupancy of only 50% seats is allowed. The government has directed police to take action against hotels, bars and restaurants if they violate the order.
A senior police officer said the night curfew will be implemented strictly and those moving around without any valid reason will be booked. "The government has permitted the movement of those travelling to other places with valid tickets or medical emergencies. Apart from that, anybody moving around or zooming around on two wheelers will be booked. Testing for drunken driving will be intensified," said the officer.
Businesses to sufferSrinivas Okade, proprietor of Oak's Group of Hotels, said, "We were expecting good business this time compared to last year. The night curfew will affect over 40% business of fine dining hotels. Our service starts at 8.30pm, but due to restrictions, many people will not prefer to come out of the houses."
Vijay Hukkeri of Vivaans Cake Centre in Vidyanagar said, "Earlier, we used to receive bulk advance orders for cakes, but this time no advance orders have been received as yet. "This time we are depending on sale at the counters, and customers have to come before 10pm. We cannot estimate how many people will buy cakes this time, hence the production quantity has also been reduced," he said.
Krishnamurthy Ucchila of Hotel Krishna Bhavan said that because of the night curfew and new guidelines many bookings have been cancelled.
Labhuram, the commissioner of police of Hubballi-Dharwad, said that already ACPs have convened meetings with all hoteliers and owners of commercials establishments and instructed them to adhere to the new Covid guidelines. "We will ensure strict implementation of the Covid guidelines, for which directions have already been issued to all officials," he added.
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