Andhra eases COVID norms; allows hotels, restaurants to operate till midnight

Amaravati: The state government has allowed the hotels, restaurants, and eateries to stay open till midnight. A notification has been issued by the government of Andhra Pradesh, permitting the opening of hotels till midnight. However, this order will not be applicable to bars and restaurants.

During COVID-19, the government has kept a time limit restricting restaurants and food courts till 10.30 pm. Recently, the President of the Andhra Pradesh Hotels Association urged AP TDC stating to allow it to stay open from 5 am to 12 midnight.

Earlier, restaurants were allowed to open till 10 pm due to COVID-10. Hoteliers alleged that Enforcement authorities and the police department are pressuring them to close the restaurant at 10 pm which cause a huge loss.

Hoteliers said since the pandemic situation has been brought under control, domestic and international tourist footfall has increased. They requested the government to allow them to remain open till midnight.

"Shops and establishments are requested to ensure Covid appropriate behavior such as wearing masks and hand sanitation by all persons working and visiting such establishments. The Special Commissioner of Labour, Andhra Pradesh, Vijayawada has been requested to issue necessary instructions to all the stakeholders accordingly in the matter and also take necessary action in the matter," the health and family welfare department said.