Uddhav Thackeray: Hotels and restaurants soon to reopen in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said that a decision on reopening hotels and restaurants in the state will be taken soon after finalising Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Interacting with various associations of hotels and lodges, the CM said the hotel industry played a crucial role in the tourism sector.

Urging the hotel industry not to retrench workers as the ''Mission Begin Again'' is underway, the CM said reopening would be done carefully with the emphasis on health and safety.

"(Factors like) SoPs, regulation and self regulation, work force strength, health safety measures etc. are very much important," Thackeray said.

"The (hotel) industry has played an important role since day one (of the COVID-19 outbreak) by housing frontline warriors in hotels and lodges," Aaditya said while addressing the virtual meeting, after the CM.

During the virtual interaction with the CM, hoteliers suggested that water and electricity be provided at the rate which is applicable to other industries.

Representatives of the hotel industry underlined the need to restart their establishments stating that the state government is losing revenue due to the extended shutdown.

"If social distancing norms (for patrons) and overall hygiene protocol is maintained, then there is no problem (in reopening hotels)," they said.