Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has started taking stringent action against restaurants and bars who are seen flouting COVID-19 guidelines issued by the state government.
Pune Divisional Commissioner Saurabh Rao in his circular earlier has clearly mentioned that the officials from the municipal and the members from the associations of restaurants, bars and hotels will need to keep an eye whether the guidelines are followed or not. In order to curtail the further spread of novel COVID-19, a team will be made which will consist of officials from the civic body and members of hotel association who will visit the restaurant and bars in Pune region to check whether the rules are followed or not.
Saurabh Rao said, “Hotels, bars and other business activities have resumed. Though the business activity has resumed, health is important and if needed administration would take strict action and there will be no compromise with health.”
As instructed by the divisional commissioner, ward offices have started the drive in the city. Dhankawadi-Sahakarnagar ward office took out a drive and recovered a fine of Rs 12,500.
“Action has been taken against Hotel Saurabh, Basuri, Abhi Kitchen, Navratna and Jagat Bhari Kolhapuri. The PMC fined Rs 2,500 from each restaurant and issued a warning to take further precautionary steps,” a press release issued by PMC read.
Meanwhile, the civic body also recovered Rs 18,000 from the people who are seen venturing without masks. Action against face masks has been taken by the Shivajinagar-Ghole road ward office.
The state government has allowed restaurants to restart their business with maximum of 50 per cent of sitting capacity. Pune Municipal Corporation has also issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to the restaurants, bars and cafes amid the rising cases in the city.
