The Bruhat Bengaluru Hotel Association (BBHA) has requested the state government to direct the city police to allow restaurants to remain open 24/7. Earlier, the government had issued guidelines to keep restaurants open 24 hours. However, due to lack of staff, Bengaluru police refused permission. The association looking after hotels, restaurants, bakeries, sweet shops and ice cream parlors has now asked Home Minister Dr. G to implement the rule approved by both the state and central governments. Wrote a letter to Parameshwar. There are those who sell milk, vegetables, flowers and others who work late. They are not getting anything to eat. Even newspaper purveyors and night shift commuters need food. Police personnel and medical professionals will also benefit from this, the letter reads. BBHA President P.C. Rao said, Notification should be implemented immediately. Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi have given permission. Why not Karnataka? Restaurants will be opened only in commercial areas so as not to disturb residential areas. Also, only restaurants and small hotels should be allowed. Not for bars, he said. This decision will create jobs and promote business. Passengers can find water and use washrooms. If the government does not give permission, Rao said the association will move the court saying that the police cannot stop them from enforcing the notifications.
