PANAJI
With Covid-19 cases dropping, owners of bars and restaurants in Goa have sought that they be allowed to restart business failing which many among them will face "psychological distress".
Restaurants and bars are not permitted to cater to sit-in guests although they are allowed to keep kitchens open for takeaway business.
The All Goa Bar and Restaurant Owners Association made a representation to the State government on Friday in which it said: "Our businesses have come to a standstill without any relief. Ours is the only business that is owned 90 per cent by Goans. Owners are desperate and are ready to rent out and even sell their ancestral business to anyone. No relief has been considered in any form for our business."
Bars and restaurants are shut since early May after the ravaging second wave of Covid-19 infections saw daily cases crossing the 1,000 mark and mortality due to Covid-related complications also rising.
The Association has also claimed that continuous closure has caused psychological distress among several of its members.
The Association also added that they are ready to follow any SOPs that the State administration may impose.
"We are ready to follow all SOPs imposed by the government. Why should we suffer the wrath of Covid? Since the positive cases and death rates have reduced, the government should consider the opening of our business to avoid distress sale, closure and renting out to non-Goans," the Association said in the representation.
"Due to the closure of bars and restaurants all other subsidiary businesses of vegetable, meat, fruit, fish vendors, etc., are affected in the State. There is also psychological distress in the society," the Association added.
