Traders restaurateurs rejoice as Sunday lockdown lifted in Ludhiana
Wholesale traders had been one of the worst affected sectors due to the Sunday restrictions as customers from different districts and states would only visit the wholesale markets in the old city areas such as Chaura Bazar, Akalgarh Market, and AC Market on Sunday. Special markets used to be put up in the areas in anticipation of the Sunday rush in the pre Covid era.Chaura Bazar shopkeepers’ association general secretary Gurcharan Singh Chann said, “This is a major relief for traders as 30-35% business takes place on Sunday in wholesale markets. However, business is unlikely to pick up pace immediately as our clients have also suffered financial setbacks during the lockdownPunjab Pradesh Beopar Mandal general secretary Sunil Mehra said while the announcement will help businesses to inch towards normalcy, a relief package should also be announced for traders who have suffered significant losses.Earlier this week, representatives of the Beopar Mandal had threatened to raise a stir unless Sunday restrictions were lifted. Representatives of the Hotel and Restaurant Association said the decision will certainly improve businesses, but things will not come back on track until bars are allowed to open.