Bengaluru Restaurants Propose 'Table Charges' for Extended Real Estate, Political Chats
In a bold move to address overcrowding and improve customer service, restaurants in Bengaluru are considering imposing "table charges" on patrons who linger for extended periods to discuss real estate or political matters. The Bruhat Bengaluru Hotel Owner's Association is leading this initiative, proposing fines ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 for individuals who occupy tables long after finishing their meals.
Growing Frustration Among Hoteliers
Display boards with messages like "This facility is only for dine-in purposes, not for real estate/political discussions. Please understand and cooperate" have become common in many Bengaluru eateries. However, these warnings have often been ignored, prompting the association to take more stringent measures. According to a hotel owner in Kengeri, groups of three or four people frequently order minimal items like coffee or tea and then spend over 45 minutes discussing business deals, causing delays for waiting customers.
Proposed Penalties and Implementation
Under the proposed plan, patrons who refuse to vacate premises and continue engaging in private discussions could face fines. Although no existing law explicitly permits such charges, the association is discussing this controversial step in meetings to manage the issue effectively. PC Rao, president of the Bruhat Bengaluru Hotel Owners Association, emphasized that prolonged table occupancy disrupts the atmosphere during peak hours and hampers business operations.
Impact on Restaurant Operations
The move targets informal meetings that turn restaurants into unofficial boardrooms, particularly for real estate and political chats. Select hotels have already begun displaying signs enforcing a strict no-discussion policy. Rao added that this action is proposed for the safety and convenience of both customers and hoteliers, aiming to discourage behavior that leads to overcrowding and reduced turnover.
This development highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Bengaluru's hospitality sector in balancing customer comfort with operational efficiency, as the city grapples with rapid urbanization and changing social dynamics.
