Restriction on business hours evokes mixed response

The new restriction on business hours of certain trades in the State from May 6 has evoked a mixed response from traders and consumers.As per the new restrictions which came into effect from May 6, st

The new restriction on business hours of certain trades in the State from May 6 has evoked a mixed response from traders and consumers. As per the new restrictions which came into effect from May 6, standalone shops selling provisions and vegetables and tea shops have been directed to wind up their business by noon in order to control the spread of COVID-19, whereas big format shops (with a size of 3000 square feet and above), shopping complex and malls have been prohibited from functioning. Further, all other shops other than provision stores and vegetable shops would remain closed till May 20. While a section of traders have welcomed the measure, others have pointed out that it would be unfair to direct the large/medium size shops engaged in the sale of provisions and vegetables remain shut while permitting the retail or small traders to continue their business though with restricted business hours.