The Arvind Kejriwal Government is planning to allow restaurant to remain open beyond the present deadline of 1 am to boost nightlife in the national Capital. The idea was mooted by Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra on a suggestion by the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) to enhance tourism within the capital, which included a revival of the night time bazaar in Chandni Chowk, according to sources.
Mishra had earlier advocated lowering drinking age from 25 to 21.
Sources in the Government said that the Delhi Government may approach Delhi’s civic bodies, including NDMC, asking them to allow restaurants to serve food in open spaces. Tourism minister Kapil Mishra has requested deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia to take up the matter with municipal corporations.
An NRAI delegation led by president Riyaaz Amlani met senior Delhi officials on August 26 to discuss a range of ‘practical’ issues. “It was a very fruitful meeting. The Government is committed to getting things done for Delhi’s benefit,” said Amlani. Mishra met with the NRAI earlier in August to discuss initiatives like new tourism hubs.
He was also receptive to NRAI’s proposal for guidelines on the use of open spaces in the light of the ongoing sealing of terraces and open spaces attached to Delhi restaurants.
It is pertinent to point out that the proposal pertaining to lowering drinking age from 25 to 21 and extended the deadline of opening of restaurants in Delhi were earlier mooted by the erstwhile Sheila Dikshit Government on several occasions but had to be withdrawn after the Delhi police and public hue and cry.