Tamil Nadu Elections 2016: Most eating joints to remain shut on May 16, voting day

May 16 is when Tamil Nadu goes to the polls and dry days have been declared on May 14, 15, 16. But the Election Commission has also instructed the state government to ensure that restaurants are shut on May 16. This is so that people working at eating joints can also go out and vote.

A report in Deccan Chronicle states that most restaurants will comply with this order. While hotel owners would have been happier had they been allowed to operate, they have decided that they will adhere to the orders. R Srinivasan, secretary, Tamil Nadu Hotels’ Association was quoted by the daily as saying, “The Election Commission is serious about the order this year, as opposed to previous elections. The notice was issued ahead of time and restaurants that fail to comply will face serious consequences.”  

The order states that restaurants should remain shut till 7 pm. The restaurants plan to open after 7 pm, adds the report.