Cuttack: Hotel and restaurant owners in Odisha have protested government’s policies of allowing liquor shops to remain open till midnight but asking foot outlets to close by 10 pm.
Demanding immediate steps to amend the policies, they have said that in a city like Cuttack availability of food must be ensured till late in the night.
A large number of people from different parts of the state visit the city for various reasons including treatment of patients in major health care centres, including SCB Medical College and Hospital. If hotels and restaurants are made to shut down at 10 pm, these people will be forced to starve without food, they said.
They pointed out that police vehicles start night patrolling after 10 pm as per the provisions of the Odisha Urban Police Act to see that all shops are closed. They collect Rs 1,000 each as fine from the shops found open. As a result, all shops including eateries close by 10 pm. Similar situation is witnessed in Bhubaneswar also, they state.
Ironically, the excise department rule allows liquor outlets and bars to remain open till 1.30 in the night, triggering resentment among people, the restaurant owners claimed.
The government has ensured availability of liquor till late night in its bid to earn more revenue, while keeping people hungry, they said.
