Restaurants in Haryana will be allowed to operate round-the-clock, as announced by Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala on Tuesday.
According to an official statement, the decision was made during a meeting led by Mr. Chautala, which involved several departments. The meeting also had the presence of Minister Anoop Dhanak from the Labour and Food, and Civil Supplies Ministry.
“In future, restaurants will remain open 24 hours in Haryana. There will be no restriction on them to close at night,” Chautala said in the statement.
The office bearers of restaurant unions from across the state had recently met Chautala and demanded that the state government allow them to keep their establishments open 24 hours so that people can get food at their convenience, it said.
Sahil Sambhi, Owner of the Drunken Botanist, said, “I’m delighted with the Haryana government’s decision to allow round-the-clock operations for restaurants in the state. This move benefits employees working in corporate offices with international shifts, offering them the opportunity to dine at restaurants late at night instead of relying on packaged food or online orders. It will undoubtedly enhance the city’s nightlife and attract more late-night and early-morning diners.”
“Our establishment and the entire restaurant industry stand to gain numerous advantages from this decision, including increased revenue and a diverse clientele. Although operational costs will rise, we are prepared to hire additional staff, contributing to employment growth and fostering economic development. Ensuring security is paramount, and I suggest close collaboration between the government, law enforcement agencies, and restaurateurs. Regular patrols and safety audits can create a secure environment for 24×7 restaurants, providing peace of mind for customers and staff alike,” he added.
Kawal Preet Singh, Owner of The Barbeque Times, emphasized that the decision to permit 24-hour operations was a necessary step, given that many corporate offices in Gurgaon operate around the clock. According to him, this change enables employees working international shifts to enjoy dining at restaurants during late hours, rather than relying on packaged food or online orders from cloud kitchens. He believes that this initiative will not only enhance the city’s nightlife but also hopes that the security measures will adequately support late-night or early-morning diners. The Founder envisions this well-implemented model as a sales-boosting opportunity for restaurants and a potential role model for other states to emulate.
Dr. Shruti Malik, Founder of Anardana Hospitality, said, “The decision to allow restaurants to operate 24×7 in Haryana brings forth a world of opportunities for our establishment and the restaurant industry. We can cater to diverse clientele, serve late-night diners, late Working hours, and tourists seeking dining options beyond regular hours. While operational costs will increase, we can hire more staff members to accommodate the workload, contributing to employment growth and economic development. Security is a vital concern, and I suggest close collaboration between the government, law enforcement agencies, and restaurant owners. Regular patrols, safety audits, and addressing security gaps will help create a secure environment for 24×7 restaurants.”
Chautala told officials that restaurants that want to remain open 24 hours can do so and no one should force them to shut.
However, these eateries will have to register with the Labour Department and follow other terms and conditions of the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, he said.
