Following the directive on liquor, the Election Commission has now ordered the closure of eateries located within 100 metres of polling booths. However, the 100-metre rule will vary depending on the constituency.
Impact on Kolkata's Dining Scene
This has led to the closure of over 400 prominent eateries across the city on April 29, with some also remaining shut on April 28.
According to EC sources, all business establishments within a 100-metre radius of a polling station must remain closed on polling day, and in certain cases, even a day before the election. The duration of the closure depends on factors such as the sensitivity of the assembly constituency, the specific polling station, the arrival of CAPF personnel and polling party, and other security-related issues.
Restaurant Owners Speak Out
Manish Singh, owner of Balwant Singh Dhaba on Harish Mukherjee Road, stated that central forces asked them to close on April 27 evening as they fall within the stipulated range. "We have been closed since 9 pm on April 27 and will remain closed on April 28 and 29," he added. According to him, this is the first time normal eateries have been asked to stay shut on election day. "We have not witnessed this earlier. A lot of eateries are also closed here along with ours. There will be a lot of wastage as we had a lot of raw materials," he lamented.
Debaditya Chowdhary, managing director of Chowman, Oudh 1590, Chapter 2, and Chaudhury & Company, reported that two of his outlets are within 100 metres of a polling booth. "We have an Oudh in Vivekananda Park and a Chowman in Sodepur. Both will stay shut on election day," he said. However, he noted that there was no instruction to close those outlets on April 28. "It is functioning on Tuesday," he added.
Kabir Azhar, director of Aminia, pointed out that one of its outlets at Chinar Park falls within the stipulated range and will be closed during polling hours. "We are operating today as usual," he said. Aminia has eight outlets in the city.
Heritage Clubs Also Affected
Apart from the 100-metre rule, many heritage clubs and restaurants will remain shut due to staff shortages on election day. Chandan Roychowdhury, secretary of Calcutta Rowing Club, noted that the club will stay closed on April 29. "There would hardly be any staff. All the city clubs will remain closed," he added. Jayajit Biswas, secretary of International Club, said it would be closed for two days due to staff shortage and lack of member footfall as the bar is closed.
