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Terrace restaurants in Delhi’s Connaught Plaza locked out

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Six terraces were shut yesterday, seven more will be served notices soon.

Citing violation of licence and building norms, the New Delhi Municipal Council has launched a drive to seal terraces of restaurants in Connaught Plaza which are being “illegally“ used for commercial activity. Six terraces were sealed on Monday and action will be taken against seven more in the coming days. NDMC says it will take action in other areas too.

Officials cite three major violations by the restaurants: using a terrace for commercial activity, installing fancy lights on rooftops and playing loud music.

“These restaurants were using this space for commercial activity . Some of them had constructed bars and put tables and chairs.They were using it as an extension of their restaurants.They failed to give proof that they have permission for carrying out commercial activity on the terrace. We have sealed only the terrace,“ said a senior NDMC official.

The affected restaurants are: Warehouse Café and The Beer Café in ‘D’ Block, Open Kitchen in ‘C’ Block, QBA in ‘E’ Block and Kinbuck 2 and Monkey Bar in ‘P’ Block.

Officials cite three major violations: using a terrace for commercial activity, installing fancy lights on rooftops and playing loud music.

The restaurant managements have a different view. Atul Kapoor, a partner in QBA said, “There is a procedure for doing things. They didn’t give us any notice before taking action. We have been running the terrace section for years and this is the first time NDMC has taken action. Moreover, we have not done any illegal construction on the rooftop. We just have some plants and space where people can sit and enjoy the food and the view.” In fact, this view has often been used as a backdrop for TV debates.

Qba_Delhi

Qba’s terrace area

“They just came and sealed our terrace area. If lights and sound were the issue, they should have sent us a notice. We have not installed lights on rooftop. I’m told the terrace will be de-sealed soon. We have to submit an affidavit in this regard,” said Priyank Sukhija, owner of Warehouse Café.

A Kinbuck2 manager said, “They just barged in without any prior notice and sealed our terrace which also has a connection to our water supply. We cannot function properly without it and it sent a wrong message to our customers who were present at that time.”

NDMC is sticking to its stand. “We have received several complaints regarding misuse of space by some of the restaurants in CP. It’s important to regulate these restaurants,” said a senior official.

A staff member of one of the affected restaurants said the notice states installation of umbrellas and fans is flouting of norms which is unreasonable.

Source: Times of India

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