Overview
- Bruhat Bengaluru Hotel Owners’ Association is discussing a formal table-charge policy to deter patrons who hold seats for extended periods after minimal orders.
- Penalties under consideration range from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 for customers who refuse to free up tables after finishing their food or drink.
- The association says the plan is at an early stage and a formal proposal seeking guidelines will be submitted to the government.
- No current law empowers restaurants to impose such fines, leaving legal authority and enforcement details unresolved.
- Some outlets already display warnings against long meetings, including a viral notice of Rs 1,000 per hour, and the idea has prompted online debate in Bengaluru.