No takeaways, only deliveries from tomorrow in Maharashtra, violating protocols may lead to cancelation of licenses

Maharashtra Govt on Tuesday announced new protocols and guidelines asking all restaurants and bars to close for dine-ins , except for those inside the campus and which form integral parts of hotels.

However, home delivery services are allowed and there shall be no visiting any restaurant and bar for ordering purposes or pickup.

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“Restaurants and bars inside hotels are to be open for in-house guests. In no circumstances shall outside guests be allowed. For outsiders, they will follow the same restrictions as any other restaurants and bars as mentioned above. Guests of the hotels may move out only for the valid reasons or for performance of duty required for essential services or for exceptions made for offices in the order,” the statement mentioned.

The government has also asked people involved in home delivery services to be vaccinated at the earliest as per GOI guidelines.

"We truly honour the decision considering the current situation. The industry is going to face the worst if this is extended. A large number of restaurants are already closed and at the verge of closure. We wish strict and vigorous actions against the protocol defaulters are taken and also improve the vaccine drive at its best to get rid of this pandemic at the earliest,” said Aji Nair - COO - Mirah Hospitality (The Company that owns and operates Bayroute, Hitchki & Rajdhani chain of restaurants).

It has stated that home deliveries to buildings housing more than one family should be restricted to the entrance of the building and internal movement of delivery should be by dedicated staff of the building. “It is also expected that all the interactions of home delivery staff and the building personnel are disciplined and COVID appropriate,” it added.

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Any default in COVID appropriate behavior will attract a fine of Rs 1000 on the offender and fine of Rs 10000 will be levied on the establishment. Repeated offence may lead to withdrawal of licenses and permissions for operations till notification for COVID 19 epidemic remains in force, mentioned the statement.

The government also announced that all staffs working in these restaurants and bars are advised to get vaccinated at the earliest, as per GOI guidelines, so that reopening of these may be expedited.