March 27: The night-time business has started flourishing in the lakeside area of Pokhara ever since the stakeholders decided to keep the area open for 24 hours a day. Such decision was taken in an attempt to encourage the business activities which had hit a slump due to Covid-19 pandemic. The government decided to keep the business open at night as well in the areas that receive higher tourists like Lakeside of Pokhara, Sauraha of Chitwan, and Thamel and Durbarmarg of Kathmandu.

Earlier, the police administration used to allow night-time businesses in Lakeside Pokhara till 10 PM. Both the business community and the tourists had been complain that they were not able to avail services at night time.

As per the businessmen, the businesses which had hit a slump due to Covid-19 are expected to gain momentum with this decision of the government to allow 24-hour business.

Govinda Sharma, a local tourism entrepreneur, said the government's decision has raised hopes of revival of the Covid-19 affected tourism industry.

“The business has come to a standstill due to the Covid-19 infection. Even when the Covid-19 infection was less, only domestic tourists visited this area. Influx of domestic tourists alone cannot sustain the business,” he said adding “Now that the Covid-19 infection has decreased and night-time business is on the rise, the business community is excited about revival of their businesses.” He said that the decision taken by the government, although late, would send a positive message about Nepal's tourism sector. He also added that the police had been harassing the businessmen to close hotels and restaurants before 10 pm.

Domestic and foreign tourists have been eager to visit Pokhara after the business started opening till late night. Night businesses include hotels, lounge bars, dance clubs, restaurants, among others.

Chairman of the Western Regional Hotel Association Laxman Subedi said that the decision to open 24-hour business is a positive move and in the best interest of the business community. He is confident that it will also help in reviving the long-stalled tourism activities.

“Opening a 24-hour business requires more employees -- in two shifts, which creates more employment opportunities. Along with employment, the income of entrepreneurs also increases,” said Subedi. He expressed that the long-time wish of businessmen of Lakeside to be able to operate business for 24 hours has finally been fulfilled. 

s