The state govt has decided to allow hotels, eateries, and restaurants in Visakhapatnam to operate until midnight. Currently, their operating hours are limited to 10:30 pm.
This decision comes in response to longstanding demands from hotel associations, who have been advocating for extended operating hours.
TDP earlier pledged to increase these hours during the 2024 general election campaign. Hoteliers believe that this policy change will not only benefit the local hospitality sector but will also positively impact the IT and tourism industries in Visakhapatnam.
On October 15, 2018, the govt allowed hotels, restaurants, and eateries—excluding bars—to operate from 5 am to midnight. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Health and Family Welfare Department imposed restrictions that required restaurants to close by 10 pm to mitigate the spread of the virus. These restrictions were enforced through various govt orders and remained in place until March 14, 2022.
In March 2022, the Union govt indicated that states could consider lifting Covid-19 containment measures as necessary. Following this, the AP Health Department clarified that no restrictions on restaurant hours remained after March 14, 2022. The Andhra Pradesh Hotels Association subsequently requested the reinstatement of the 5 am to midnight operating hours. Although the govt confirmed in 2022 that the 2018 order would automatically be reinstated without Covid-19 restrictions, implementation at the local level required permissions from authorities, which had not been granted until now.
Vizag MP M Sribharat said that considering Visakhapatnam’s growth as a metropolitan city, the TDP-led NDA govt has taken a decision to support the hotel and hospitality sector.
“By allowing hotels and restaurants to operate until midnight, the govt is fulfilling its commitments to the industry and working to restore a favourable environment. This decision will not only enhance the reputation of Visakhapatnam’s hospitality sector but will also significantly benefit the IT and tourism sectors in the near future. The NDA govt is committed to introducing additional policies to establish Visakhapatnam as a key tourism and business hub,” he said.
Sribharat also expressed hope that this decision would provide a substantial boost to tourism promoters, local businesses, and the overall economy in Visakhapatnam.
Andhra Pradesh Hotels Association secretary M Nagaraju welcomed the govt’s decision. “If implemented across the state, this decision will be highly beneficial for major cities like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, and Tirupati. For example, a significant number of tourists and businessmen visit Visakhapatnam. Extending the operating hours will greatly support these business and tourism sectors. Ultimately, it will not only boost the hotel industry but also benefit other allied sectors connected to hospitality,” said Nagaraju.
