A year since timing restrictions, pubs and night clubs in Hyderabad stare at losses

Hyderabad: The pubs, nightclubs, and microbreweries that have sprung up in Hyderabad over the past few years are hoping against hope for a revival, despite the fact that the party season has just begun with the winter season setting in.

All these years, Hyderabad has been known for its vibrant 'party culture,' as people from other cities too used to descend on the city on weekends. But it's all in the past.

The police imposed timing restrictions last year, following the new government's takeover of Telangana, ultimately leading to a decline in the business. The business of these pubs and nightclubs has declined by almost 50 per cent, and in some cases, by more than 70 per cent.

As the city burgeoned as an IT giant in the last more than a decade and IT employees found the city hospitable, many made Hyderabad their 'home.' Apart from the IT sector, the growing pharma and real estate sectors have made Hyderabad a preferred destination for frequent visits and permanent settlement.

The influx of people led to the proliferation of pubs, lounges, and breweries in the IT corridor, including Gachibowli, Jubilee Hills, Film Nagar, and the newly established Financial District, Kokapet. Additionally, an ecosystem has emerged at the GMR Aeroplaza in Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad.

Following the chief minister's review of law and order last December, the new government decided to shut down commercial establishments at 11 pm and stop serving liquor at these pubs. Up until that point, 'parties' often continued until 4 am. At Aero Plaza, where establishments hold a 24-hour license, the implementation of the new restrictions resulted in a chaotic scene.

“It is only after 10 pm or 11 pm that the crowd slowly starts coming. The actual party begins only after 11 pm, which is when we get some business. Now it's all gone. We must close by 11 pm on weekdays and 1 am on weekends. There is nothing wrong with taking measures to control crime. However, this should not come at the expense of businesses. There needs to be strict surveillance and vigilance, no doubt about it. However, the success of the business is also crucial as it contributes to the local economy,” managing partner of a well-known pub in Kokapet told DH.

Estimates suggest that the city boasts over 150 premium pubs, microbreweries, and lounges. They are all now hoping that at least the Christmas and New Year period will bring some solace.

For the Aeroplaza establishments, especially the new restrictions, it has become a nightmare. “We now have to cease our liquor service by 11 pm. Due to the location's distance from the city, party enthusiasts after their work tend to arrive around 11 pm, party late, and then return to the city. Now, it's all gone. Even during such vibrant times of late-night partying, we never experienced any incidents of crime. It was all a decent crowd. I hope the government lifts these time restrictions, as it will aid in our revival. Businesses have been hit really bad. Particularly, these businesses require significant investment,” said the manager of an establishment at Aeroplaza who spoke to DH.

Another pub owner expressed a dilemma, stating that while the police and other authorities impose restrictions on business operations, the excise department forces them to increase stock levels to meet their revenue targets. What will we do by buying stock when there is no business? the pub owner quipped.