In light of rising incidences of crime, especially against women, the Hotel and Restaurant Association Of Western India (HRAWI), has initiated a drive for safe and responsible new year celebrations. As part of the drive, the association has requested all its members to additionally ensure security at respective premises and also keep taxis queued for customers to drive home safe. A letter to this effect has been circulated across all hotels and restaurants across all its member states in the western region that includes Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Diu-Daman and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The drive has been initiated not just for the safety of women but as precautionary arrangements in case of unforeseen incidences.
Bharat Malkani, president, HRAWI said, “New Year’s is one of the most celebrated festivals in the world. Patrons come to hotels and restaurants to leave behind the previous year and usher in the new one with revelry and hope. Hotels provide the space, comfort and convenience for people to welcome the first day of the new year, where like-minded people come together for celebrations.”
“Where there is much celebration and crowd, the need for security and safety in general also becomes doubly important. We are certain that Mumbai police is quite capable of handling any unforeseen incidences however, on our part, we wish to take precautionary measures for additional safety and security. We are also concerned, especially with the safety of women patrons and so all our member hotels have decided to be vigilant and beef up the security to avoid any untowardly incidence,” added Malkani.
Since last year, hotels and restaurants have been permitted to serve alcohol on New Year’s Eve until five a.m of the New Year.
Malkani said, “We understand that some revellers would like to celebrate the occasion with wine and spirits. For these guests, we will try for provision of cabs so they do not indulge in driving under influence of alcohol. Wherever possible, we will make note of the taxi number plates just to be additional safe. Within the reach of each hotel and restaurant, we will ensure that the parties will be celebrated in the right spirit.”