BENGALURU: WHILE many Bengaloreans welcomed the model Shops and Establishment Act, which allows restaurants, malls and hotels to run around the clock, owners of a few restaurants and malls in the city are skeptical.
Though labour ministry’s proposal can be adopted by states as per the requirement, the success of the law depends on the owners, who may or may not be willing to open their establishments throughout the night. “I am sure there will no big difference in the number of customers even if we extend the timings,” said Hari Babu, the senior captain at The Warehouse, Indiranagar, adding that the pub was earlier closed at 9.30pm and was later extended to 11.30pm.
South Point Pub manager, K H Boregowda said, “It is difficult to control the late night crowd. Security will be a major concern. There will be increase in chances of attacks and fights in the building.” He is also worried about the salary which is to be given to the additional staffs that needs to be recruited. “One batch staff works for eight hours. If we keep it open for 24 hours, we will need at least three teams,” he added.
“Initially it will be difficult, but I will manage,” said the general manager of 1947 restaurant, Nainul H U. “If the state government is going to follow this rule, then I may start a new bar. The new rule is good for bars and pubs,” he added.