Pune: Confusion persists among city restaurateurs regarding the enforcement of the 10pm closure deadline. Although the police commissioner clarified that the action does not apply to licensed restaurants, owners report a starkly different on-ground situation, marked by mixed signals, inconsistent enforcement, and rising uncertainty.
Mixed Signals from Authorities
"Police teams have been arriving at restaurants every night since Thursday, instructing them to shut down by 10pm or 10.30pm. Where is the logic? The commissioner has already clarified that licensed restaurants are exempt," said a spokesperson for the National Restaurant Association of India. Across neighborhoods such as Camp, Deccan, and Kothrud, restaurant owners describe a growing pattern of informal instructions, late-night interventions, and an environment where no one is certain which rule applies.
Unverified WhatsApp Messages Fuel Panic
Adding to the confusion are unverified messages circulating on WhatsApp, claiming sweeping restrictions: no private events, no large gatherings, and mandatory additional police permissions. With no official communication to back these claims, panic and doubt have set in. "How do we run a business like this? Am I supposed to cancel bookings or refuse group reservations based on something I have only seen on WhatsApp? This ambiguity is wearing us down," said a restaurant owner from Kothrud.
Enforcement Incidents
On JM Road, one restaurant owner recounted how police arrived at 10.30pm on Monday and began dispersing people outside the establishment. "They told customers waiting outside to leave. Then they told us to switch off the lights inside. We simply can’t take risks anymore. We are planning to stop accepting bookings after 9.30pm. That’s how uncertain things have become," the owner said. In Camp, another owner highlighted unintended consequences: "People often buy food and eat in their cars or sit outside because of waiting crowds, especially on weekends. Is it fair to drive them away just because they aren’t formally seated inside?"
Restaurateurs Question Targeting
Others questioned why restaurants have become the focal point of enforcement. A restaurateur near Deccan asked, "If these WhatsApp ‘rules’ are true, then what about crowding near theatres? Why is all the pressure on restaurants?" Amid the growing unrest, restaurant owners are united in one demand: clarity. They want clear, written guidelines that leave no room for interpretation at the local level.
Police Commissioner's Response
Responding, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar reiterated his position, attempting to draw a firm line between perception and policy. "We are taking action only against establishments that are not permitted to remain open after 10pm. These include hawkers (licensed or otherwise) and unlicensed setups like roadside eateries occupying footpaths and paan stalls," Kumar said. "Our personnel have been told not to interfere with licensed establishments like restaurants and bars, which are allowed to remain open till 12.30am or 1.30am." He further dismissed concerns about broader restrictions on public movement. "There are no special prohibitory orders in place. People are free to move about. These are routine, fortnightly orders that we issue." However, Kumar acknowledged that police teams are actively dispersing groups lingering on roads and footpaths late into the night. "This is part of a larger effort to curb crime and reduce suspicious movement," he said.
