Delhi: Over 300 eateries to remain open 24*7 from next week

If finding a place to chill with your friends at night in Delhi was a problem for you, there is some good news. Over 300 establishments in Delhi including some hotels, restaurants, and eateries, as well as online delivery services for food, medications, logistics, and other necessities have been allowed to function round the clock all 7 days a week. The decision taken by Delhi LG VK Saxena is said to give a boost to Delhi's nightlife.

LG VK Saxena has accepted 314 petitions, some from 2016, requesting exemption under Sections 14, 15 and 16 of the Delhi Shops & Establishment Act, 1954. The exemption enables commercial establishments to operate on a 24X7 basis, subject to certain conditions that entail the welfare of labour and security. The LG has directed that notification to this effect be issued within seven days.

According to him, the development is expected to boost employment generation and promote a positive and favourable business environment. The L-G has advised the Labour Department that such applications are disposed of within a prescribed timeline so that a conducive investor-friendly business environment and positive confidence could be instilled in the entrepreneurs and business community of Delhi.

CitySpidey spoke to a few residents in Delhi NCR to gather their views regarding this and we got a mixed reaction.

Vijay Bhardwaj, 25, a resident from Dwarka Sector 5 says, "I think it's great because sometimes when we plan for a night out, we have very few options. It would perhaps be easier now to find a decent place to go. However, I agree that youth or any commuter for that matter must adhere to traffic norms even if the roads are empty at night. Winters are approaching, which means more fog."

Madhuri Rani, 45, a resident of Dwarka Sector-8, says, "I do not think such a step was needed. Especially during Winter, safety risk increases and I don't want my kids to wander on the streets at night. This will create disturbance too because youngsters or groups of people will surely create some raucous. It so happened recently, some anti-social children were creating noise after returning from Dussehra fairs. Also, what is the need of going out in the middle of the night during winter?!