MANGALURU: The new guidelines from the state government, after Covid-19 cases of the Omicron variant were reported, has dented New Year’s Eve celebration plans of a lot of hotels and watering holes in the coastal city. The restrictions have been imposed, as events were being planned for New Year’s Eve.
Last year too, there was not much revelry during New Year’s Eve, and some of the establishments were planning for some events, as Covid-19 cases were low.
“It was a tradition at our facility every year, to host a gala New Year’s Eve, and our patrons were invited for the celebration. The event was like offering gratitude to our clientele, who have been our support and strength throughout the year. However, we have not been able to conduct a well organised event for the past three years,” said B N Girish, vice-president, The Ocean Pearl, Mangaluru. He added that the industry has picked up, and is doing well at the moment. “We will follow the government guidelines, and there are no celebrations this year as well,” he added.
The worst hit are watering holes, who organise a New Year’s Eve bash every year. “The 50% occupancy on New Year’s Eve will not do any good for restaurants, which are usually full on this day. We continued to pay 100% salaries of our employees and taxes to the government, then why have such restrictions been clamped only on us? We are happy with not having a DJ performing, but not regarding restrictions on occupancy rate,” said a hotelier.
Damodar Shetty, partner, Prestige Hotels in Balmatta, said that the restrictions were imposed when they were planning for New Year celebrations. “We will cancel all the plans, and go for regular dining with limited capacity only,” he added.
Owner of Foodland Hotel, Ashish Shetty, said that there is still uncertainty among people, that the guidelines may change any time. “We are adopting a wait and watch policy,” he said.
Last year too, there was not much revelry during New Year’s Eve, and some of the establishments were planning for some events, as Covid-19 cases were low.
“It was a tradition at our facility every year, to host a gala New Year’s Eve, and our patrons were invited for the celebration. The event was like offering gratitude to our clientele, who have been our support and strength throughout the year. However, we have not been able to conduct a well organised event for the past three years,” said B N Girish, vice-president, The Ocean Pearl, Mangaluru. He added that the industry has picked up, and is doing well at the moment. “We will follow the government guidelines, and there are no celebrations this year as well,” he added.
The worst hit are watering holes, who organise a New Year’s Eve bash every year. “The 50% occupancy on New Year’s Eve will not do any good for restaurants, which are usually full on this day. We continued to pay 100% salaries of our employees and taxes to the government, then why have such restrictions been clamped only on us? We are happy with not having a DJ performing, but not regarding restrictions on occupancy rate,” said a hotelier.
Damodar Shetty, partner, Prestige Hotels in Balmatta, said that the restrictions were imposed when they were planning for New Year celebrations. “We will cancel all the plans, and go for regular dining with limited capacity only,” he added.
Owner of Foodland Hotel, Ashish Shetty, said that there is still uncertainty among people, that the guidelines may change any time. “We are adopting a wait and watch policy,” he said.
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