Bars and restaurants across Kolkata came alive on Friday after a four-day dry period imposed from April 20 due to elections. Customers flocked in for a drink, leading to a sharp spike in sales. However, the relief is short-lived, with another prohibition set to begin from 6 pm on Saturday and continue till April 29.
Many outlets reported a surge in both liquor and food orders, with some even running out of stock by evening due to supply disruptions during the ban.
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Footfall jumps, sales soar
Central Kolkata saw packed venues as patrons returned in large numbers. Songhai-Manthan and the adjoining MS Bar & Lounge were among the busiest, with occupancy rising dramatically after a sluggish week, The Times of India reported.
"We had a waiting crowd. This is the peak summer season and we have had a big crowd since lunch. Beer sales reached an unprecedented high in the afternoon while all other liquors were frequently ordered as well.
We sent out WhatsApp messages, informing our patrons that the bar would reopen for a day-and-a-half from Friday. We had offers on alcohol. The footfall surge also led to a threefold rise in food sales," Sudesh Poddar, owner of Songhai-Manthan and MS Bar & Lounge and the president of Hotel and Restaurants Association of Eastern India (HRAEI), was quoted as saying by TOI.
Park Street and beyond see revival
Kolkata's Park Street, known for its nightlife, saw long queues outside restaurants. One Step Up reported a noticeable jump in both bookings and walk-ins.
"The last two days were exceptionally dull, in terms of footfall and sales. Both went up significantly on Friday. We had several tables booked in advance for dinner. Liquor sales were good," Viraj Kothari of One Step Up told TOI.
Across the road, Oasis also saw improved turnout. "While lunch was better, we had a good evening crowd after four days. Food sales were driven by the return of liquor, albeit for a day. It helped that the IPL evening match was a good one, so we had youngsters dropping in for dinner and drinks," said owner Pratap Daryanani, per TOI.
Short-lived relief for businesses
Bars in south Kolkata and Sector V also reported brisk business, with several reopening after remaining shut during the dry period. At Barcode in Sector V, manager Pranab Mukherjee said, "We got the crowd back and hope to make up for some of the losses."
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Chapter 2 in south Kolkata, which is hosting a Goan food festival, also witnessed a spike in visitors. "Since Goan food goes well with liquor, the alcohol prohibition affected us. But footfall spiked exceptionally on Friday. People seemed to be out to make the most of this window. We had a packed house from afternoon till late evening. Unfortunately, the momentum is going to be broken again on Saturday as liquor prohibition returns," owner and co-founder Shiladitya Chaudhury was quoted as saying by TOI.
