Delhi allows restaurants to remain open till 1am

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The Delhi government has allowed the restaurants, bars, and all markets, including malls and shopping complexes, to revert to their normal timings from Tuesday. The restaurants and bars can now stay open till 1 am and markets can resume their normal operations with pre-Covid timings.

The government made this announcement on Saturday due to the decline in Covid-19 situation. At present bars operate from noon to 10 pm, while restaurants can open from 8 am to 10 pm. the markets are allowed from 10 am to 8 pm. From 24 August, restaurants and bars can stay open till 1 am. However, the restaurants will have to adhere to a 50% seating capacity cap. There is no specified timing for markets post relaxation. The DDMA order stated that the change will be effective from August 24 because the last DDMA order will remain in force till August 23. The new order will remain in effect till August 31.

There are no uniform timings for markets in Delhi as of now. The timings are regulated by market associations and vary from place to place at some places. The decision is likely to give a boost to traders because the festive season is around the corner. The conditions are being gradually relaxed as the situation is improving. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority has alerted all the people to exercise Covid-appropriate behaviour.

It has directed all district magistrates, DCPs and officers concerned to ensure the wearing of masks, social distancing, regular hand washing, use of sanitiser, observing hygiene and not allowing any spitting at places where crowds gather.

It has warned that the premises will be closed and criminal prosecution ordered in case of any violation.

Traders have welcomed the decision. “Restriction on timings was leading to major losses and minimising the chance of any increase in sales. We are thankful to the authorities and promise to follow the Covid protocol diligently,” said Ashok Randhawa, president of the Sarojini Nagar traders’ association.