PUNE: Call centre employees, students and professionals, in search of some after-work relaxation, have expressed dismay at the early deadline for closing hotels in the city. Most feel the business hours for hotels and restaurants should be extended.
Even hotel owners have time and again sought revision of the deadline since an increasing clientele, especially call centre employees and students, come late to eat. "We want restaurants to be allowed to take the last order at 12.30 am and close at 1.30 am, which will mean an hour's extension. But the police ask us to close at 11.30 pm," says Ganesh Shetty, president of the Pune Hotelier and Restaurant Association (PHRA).
"Usually the crowd starts coming after 9.00 pm and 11.30 pm is the peak time which is when we are told to shut shop. Many customers come after a late night movie, but we have to refuse them service," says manager of a hotel on JM road.
The city has a booming IT and BPO sector but the night life has virtually become non-existent. Besides professionals who have an erratic work schedule, a large student community feels the need for late night eateries.
"There should be more restaurants open late at night. It's okay if they don't serve alcohol, but at least snacks should be available. The few places that are open are not safe and there is always the fear of a police raid," says Vijayta Kaushik, a BPO employee.
Read more: Extend deadline for closing restaurants, say students, BPO employees - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Extend-deadline-for-closing-restaurants-say-students-BPO-employees/articleshow/7169017.cms#ixzz19JH6klnBSource