Hotel entrepreneurs in Tulsipur have requested the local administration to extend hotel operating hours until 11:00 PM. They argued that the hotel industry, still recovering from the impacts of COVID-19, requires extended hours to support its revival.
Tuphan KC, proprietor of Kumakh Café, stated, "The hotel business, which was hit hard by COVID-19, is gradually returning to normalcy. The government needs to adopt a positive approach toward supporting the industry."
Although the District Administration Office had previously issued written permission allowing hotels to operate until 11:00 PM, security agencies have been closing them at 9:00 PM. KC emphasized that this premature closure negatively impacts business.
Hoteliers also argued that if they were allowed to remain open until midnight, it would better serve visitors arriving from other cities. They urged the local administration to address this issue.
Binil KC, chair of the FNCCI district chapter, supported the hoteliers, saying it is inappropriate for the police to shut down hotels at 9:00 PM, as no formal decision has been made on the matter.
However, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Anil Thakuri refuted claims of closing all hotels, explaining that only pubs were required to shut by 9:00 PM.
"Hotels operating responsibly are not being disturbed, but pubs are not allowed to stay open after 9:00 PM," DSP Thakuri clarified. He added that inns were being closed due to concerns over potential criminal activities during the festive season.
Chief District Officer Krishna Prasad Lamsal stated, "The local administration can allow businesses to operate as needed. There are over 500 hotel entrepreneurs in Tulsipur." He also reiterated that security concerns guide such decisions and confirmed that no separate decision has been made regarding hotel operating hours. -- RSS