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MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government’s Covid-driven imposition of night curfew and curbs on New Year parties and weddings has caused a wave of cancellations citywide. The Christmas-New Year spell is a peak revenue earner for the hospitality industry, plus the marriage season is under way in full swing as well.
Embarrassed families are revoking wedding invitations that were sent out weeks ago. The government’s order states that not more than 100 guests will be allowed at weddings in closed venues. In open air venues, the limit has been set at 250 guests or 25% of capacity, whichever is less.
Hotels and clubs have called off parties and music shows for which bookings were taken, and are arranging refunds.
TOI interviewed managers, party planners and event organisers affiliated with five star hotels, restaurants, clubs, gymkhanas, wedding lawns and banquet halls. Each was counting the losses of the state’s sudden, last-minute strictures. Some expressed upset, most spoke off the record fearing reprisal.
Restaurateur Hossein Mehrazar of Cafe Mommyjoon, Bandra, said, “The night curfew that starts at 9.00pm will impact footfalls because most diners head out at night.”
His brother Mohsen, who is the owner of Lucky Restaurant in Bandra, said, “The inconvenience arises because this order has come at last minute. People have made preparations, passes have been sold and tables booked. If the circular had arrived in advance it would be better. The hospitality industry has been the worst sufferer during the lockdown. And just as we were recovering comes another closure. Still, I believe the government must surely have had a plan in mind before taking this step. After all, we cannot lower our guard against the pandemic.”
Henrison Lobo, partner of Blossoms Lawn in Andheri, said, “Everything about this order is unfortunate. Costs are calculated by number of guests. The fewer the guests the greater the expense. Given the see-sawing rules, people will postpone weddings till March-April 2022. And I wonder if Covid spares larger crowds and political rallies.”
On Saturday, a leading hotel in the western suburbs was processing refunds after being forced to call off its New Year musical soiree. “We offered clients the option to keep a credit note which they may utilise later. But people want their money back given the uncertainty over a new Covid wave and another lockdown,” the banquet manager said.
Contract workers of a prominent gymkhana in South Mumbai say wedding lists are being downsized. “In this case it is the wedding party that is burdened since they still pay the same amount for hiring the venue, decorator and caterer. Of course we suffer too, since new bookings have halted. And we will still have to pay employees,” said the decorator.
“It is frustrating to step out of our Marine Drive wedding ground — where guests are restricted to 25% — and board a train from Marine Lines where people are packed like sardines. Does Covid spread only by night and in sanitised spaces?” asked the caterer.
Industry associations are at their wits’ end. “This decision is unfortunate as it is New Year. It will have a huge impact on the industry. Revellers are planning to travel to neighbouring states to party, so it will be a revenue loss for our state government too. We are following all SOPs,” said Shivanand Shetty, AHAR president.
“After two years of being restricted indoors, people want to enjoy New Year. But the cancellation brings tremendous loss and disappointment. Our staff is vaccinated and we are following rules,” said Pradeep Shetty, senior VP, HRAWI.