Bengaluru restaurant owners are urging the police to act on a recent Karnataka government order that permits commercial establishments with more than 10 employees to operate 24/7. While the order, issued on September 27, allows restaurants to stay open round the clock, many owners face resistance from the Bengaluru police, who have been hesitant to approve the extended hours.
P.C. Rao, president of the Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association (BBHA), stated that the association has already emailed the police about the order and plans to meet with the city’s police commissioner this week to discuss the issue. The police chief, B Dayananda, responded that the decision lies with the government, and the police have no jurisdiction over it.
The BBHA is seeking blanket permission for all affiliated restaurants to extend their hours, though not all businesses intend to stay open 24/7. Diwakar Rao, owner of Airlines Hotel, acknowledged the need for such permissions, particularly in transportation hubs like bus stands and airports, but noted that not all establishments would benefit, especially those with low late-night foot traffic.
The permission applies only to restaurants that do not serve alcohol, meaning bars and pubs are not impacted by the order. Chethan Hegde, a representative of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), stated that extending hours for alcohol-serving establishments is not feasible due to operational and cost concerns.
The BBHA is awaiting a response from the police and government, with the possibility of legal action if their request is not granted.
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