22 December,2009 08:16 AM IST | | Debarti Palit
Restaurant and Hoteliers Association have sent a request to the Home Ministry to extend the deadline for New Year parties till 2 am
Like Mumbai, the Restaurant and Hoteliers Association in Pune have also sent a request to the Home Ministry and Police Commissioner to extend the deadline from 12.30 am to 2 am on December 25, 26, 27 and 31.
Officials from restaurants and night clubs believe that the extension of deadline will not only help them make bigger profits but also draw a large number of crowds.
According to Kanakdas Shetty, president of Pune Restaurant and Hoteliers Association the decision will be finalised within a couple of days. He said, "We have already sent the request and today there is a meeting with the officials and we will get a clearer picture."
He further added, "Apart from the profit, our guests will be able to have a good time and not be bothered
by cops for an early deadline."
More time
As the state waits to take a decision in the matter, restaurant owners and officials are keeping their fingers crossed.u00a0
They believe that the proposed extended deadline will help them earn more business u2014 an increase of 30 to 50 per cent.
Ashwin Doizode, manager, One Lounge at Koregaon Park, said, "Guests reach the venue by 10.30 pm because of traffic. Extending deadline will mean that they will be able to enjoy. We are therefore hoping that the request is accepted."
It's a working day
Imrun Sethi, owner, Tertullia Lounge bar and restaurant at Lane number 5, KP, said, "Since 90 per cent of the crowd comprises working professionals, they are expected to reach restaurants late as December 31 is a working day. It will definitely help us make better business."
On the other hand, police maintains that it is up to the Home Ministry to take decisions to extend deadlines. Sanjeev Kumar Singhal, additional CP, Admin said, "All requests have been sent directly to the Home Ministry for approval. They are the ones to decide on the timing."
Commissioner of Police Dr Satyapal Singh was unavailable to comment.
