No partying when the sun goes down
Down the Road in Panjim is a go-to place for most of the locals
and tourists because of its fine western atmosphere, music, liquor and fun. It
has one of the hot spots in Panjim and usually organizes various parties’ and
events at the venue itself during famous festivities. Every year on Easter
night (Saturday), after the midnight mass a party is hosted that goes on till
4:00 am in the morning; people crowd the haven every year on these kinds of
occasions. Sadly, this season due to the notice given by the government DTR
lovers won’t get to cherish their time. “We have a license to be open till 4:00
am and this time of the year business is at its peak for us. We plan an Easter
party every year on a Saturday night and target the mass attendees as well as our
regulars. But we haven’t planned anything now after receiving the notice , and
won’t be expecting a huge crowd on Sunday as most of the people spend family
time and rarely go out on a lunch,” Says Lyndon Furtado, Proprietor, DTR.
Religious and Political matters affects Business
According to Cubebar Restaurant co-partner Shimonti Gupta, whose
restaurant is based in Assagao, North Goa, said “ In any case, juch of South
Goa is dead and the North has some business. But when a notice like this (about
thre 10.30 pm bar closure, comes to us it makes it worse. Business is business,
we either make or break. We cannot do anything about it when religious (lent)
and political (code of conduct/ dry day) aspects come in the way of business.”
She admits that it is not only difficult for her, but all the restaurants in
Goa. She describes how she observed people who excitingly go out to clubs and
restaurants, but sadly have to leave the place by 11. “There have been people
who almost reached he place at 10:00 or 10:30 and they had to leave the place
early. There is nothing that we can do about it.”
Home delivery can save the day
Chef Arjun Sikdar from Cubebar expresses, “Restaurants cannot
expect much this Easter Sunday as there is very short period of time for people
to actually enjoy the whole vibe. Many may not even drop in, but hopefully we
get a lot of home delivery orders. Or maybe some might even drink at home and
then come to have lunch as there is no alcohol to be served. This might have an
impact on our alcohol sales. Let’s hope for the best.”
Customers Do Not Co-operate
One of the most famous places in Margao, Martin’s Corner has
been facing difficulties lately and doubtful to make a good business this
Easter. Jose Pereira Co-Owner of Martin’s Corner shares his views, “It has
affected us terribly, and the problem is not for our business because we know
that our place is quiet popular and we have good income all year round. The
problem is with the customers and especially foreigners; it is difficult to
make them understand that we are not allowed to serve drinks after 10. As soon
as it’s 10 o’clock we even take their glasses from the table. We have to do it,
we have no choice and it can displease our customers. As for Easter Sunday, I
really don’t know how it’s going to be; those who want food will come for food
but for drinks I’m uncertain.”
Effects on musicians, DJ’s and bands
When it comes to the days and events like these, it is not only
the restaurants and clubs that are affected but even the DJs, Musicians and
Bands who normally perform at popular local clubs and dine outs. Musician
Ashley Fernandes points out “During this season we already suffer a loss
because of less or no wedding orders at all during lent, and then comes the
code of conduct, where I understand it is a necessity it also affects our
income as we are more often dependant on festivities like these (Celebrations)”
After
a not so high season, a “high” easter business is ruled out, in much more ways
than one.
