APRA appeals to Sindh CM for increasing restaurants’ timings

KARACHI: All Pakistan Restaurant Association (APRA) has lauded the decision of the Sindh government to reopen restaurants but declaring the duration of opening of restaurants as insufficient.

In a statement, the Restaurant Association has appealed to Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to allow 24-hour opening of restaurants. APRA convener Athar Chawla also highlighted the Sindh government’s announcement regarding the reopening of restaurants.

“Restaurants are already strictly following the SOPs for the prevention of COVID-19 pandemic. However, unlike other provinces, the Sindh government allowed to open restaurants for a limited period of time instead of 24 hours. The decision has caused a wave of concern among restaurant owners”, he added.

Chawla pointed out that due to long lockdown for the prevention of coronavirus, the restaurant industry was on the verge of collapse and there were fears that billions of rupees of investment will sink.

Athar Chawla asserted that the Sindh government should reconsider its decision to save the restaurant industry from serious financial losses and allow the restaurant to open 24 hours.

Earlier on Monday, the Sindh and Punjab governments have lifted the coronavirus restrictions, allowing businesses to resume operations. Sindh government also issued a notification in this regard.

“Restaurants will also be opened for dine-in till 10:00 pm. The last order must be taken an hour before closing. Customers must be seated with a distance of over three feet between them,” it stated.