CHENNAI: Thorwing open night life is exciting for a metro like Chennai, considered conservative, yet safe. The Centre’s decision to encourage round-the-clock business hours with the proposed Model Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Services) Act has enthused various sections of society in Chennai, who say it’s important for any world city to have life and activity without any restriction based on the clock.
This new model law that got concurrence from the Union Cabinet on Wednesday would allow cinema halls, restaurants, shops, banks and other such facilities to be open round the clock. However, such a radical move comes with its own set of difficulties for authorities and at least a section of establishment owners.
“It would be fantastic to be able to leave work late and go out to dinner or shop and not worry about closing time,” said Preethi Thomas, a customer experience manager at an online portal.
S Priya, a KPO staff, said food availability 24x7 would be a blessing, especially for those working on night shifts. Praveen Anand, executive chef of Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park, is one such person. “Whenever I leave the hotel it’s always too late. This would really make my life easier - I’d go to a mall and do my shopping peacefully at night,” he said.
BIG businesses have welcomed the Centre’s nod for commercial establishments to operate all through the night as they are convinced that offering a 24x7 service would be beneficial for them and their customers alike. “Five-star hotels like ours already run restaurants and bar through the night as per our licence. So I don’t see much change happening from the employee perspective. If business picks up in a big way post-midnight hour after this comes in, we will ramp up our staff strength to meet the demand,” Rajesh Radhakrishnan, general manager, The Park Chennai, told Express.
But not all retailers are convinced that Chennai is ready for such a move. “One-stop shops are completely dependent on the free flow of customers. Here most of the people don’t come out of their homes after 10 pm,” said Ganesh, Vice-president, marketing, Express Avenue.
Echoing his views, Natarajan, the in-charge of Mayas Plaza, said they would have to employ more staff to work on a shift basis, which would in turn cut into their profit. Infrastructure cost like running air conditioners during odd hours might make it a difficult proposition.
As G Anbu, a HR senior executive with Poorvika, put it, “The move is good for select sectors such as restaurants and other big malls, but not for retailers.”
Another group that is not enthusiastic is the police, already facing the task of managing the State with nearly 24,000 posts vacant. The effect of this shortage would be accentuated if they are to field several policemen during night hours as well. For instance, there are only two deputy commissioners on duty at night as against a dozen during the day at present.
“I am not saying it will be a big issue, as our night patrolling is one of the best. But we have a staff shortage, and our Inspectors and their sub-ordinates are already loaded with work,” a senior police officer with the city police told Express. An inspector said the force will have to bring in shift system if this is to be undertaken.
Another officer, however, said security for commercial establishments like malls and hotels is primarily their own responsibility. Police’s work would remain almost the same.
Former head of State police Letika Saran said these concerns would be over soon enough. “I presume in the initial days there will be an increase in the calls that the police have to attend to. But, as time goes by, it will all pan out,” she said.