Punjab Govt issues guidelines for phased reopening of restaurants, hotels and other hospitality services under lockdown 5.0/unlock 1

Ludhiana: Punjab Government today issued detailed guidelines for normal opening of restaurants, hotels and other hospitality services. Earlier, Punjab Government had issued guidelines for phased reopening of places of worship, hotels, restaurants, other hospitality services and shopping malls. In theses guidelines the state government has relaxed the conditions for opening of all types of hospitality services. 
    While providing information, Deputy Commissioner Mr Varinder Sharma said the restaurants are allowed with 'dine-in' facility till 8 pm with 50% occupancy or 50 guests, whichever is less. The management would comply with the SOPs under which restaurants in hotels are allowed to serve food including buffet meals upto 50% of their seating capacity or 50 guests, whichever is less. 
    In addition, the restaurants would also be open to persons other than hotel guests but the timings for both the hotel guests as well as persons from outside would be till 8 pm. However the bars in the hotels shall remain closed but liquor could be served in the rooms and restaurants, as permitted under the excise policy of the State.         
        He further informed that marriages other social functions and 'Open-Air' parties in banquet halls, marriage palaces, hotels and open venues could be organised upto 50 persons. The number of guests exclusive of catering staff would not exceed 50 persons. The size of banquet hall and venue for 50 persons shall at least be 5,000 sq. feet based on requirement of 10' x10' area for a person for the purpose of maintenance of adequate social distancing.
    He added that the bars would continue to remain closed in banquet halls/marriage palaces.  However liquor could be served in the function as per the excise policy of the State. The SOPs for hotels and other hospitality services would be strictly followed. The management of hotels and other hospitality services would be obliged to comply with the SOPs of union health ministry. District administration and police officials have also been directed to ensure compliance of guidelines and other SOP depending upon the local situation.
    Mr Varinder Sharma has appealed to the residents to ensure that the new guidelines are strictly followed.