Several caterers have started receiving requests to scale up the number of plates by several times against earlier orders following the Bengal government’s decision to relax curbs on the number of people attending social gatherings.
On Monday, several caterers said they were busy making last-minute arrangements for orders on February 25 and 26 after parties called with requests to increase the number of plates — a move that most caterers had been eagerly awaiting for the last few months.
Most requests from Kolkata urged caterers to make arrangements for an additional 60-100 plates, while those from the suburbs asked for an increase of over 100 plates since the venues were bigger.
On January 31, chief minister Mamata Banerjee said weddings and social events could have 75 per cent of the hall capacity. The earlier limit was 50 per cent.
About a week back, the government announced that the night curfew will be from midnight till 5am, an hour more than the earlier one from 11pm.
“Organisers are now prepared to make the most of these relaxations and are ready to invite more guests for their occasions,” said Monojit Bose of Bhoj Caterers in Bhowanipore. “We have been receiving several calls for increasing the number of plates for dates in early March as well.”
This is a month of weddings in Bengal and there were events on February 7, 18, 20 and 21. A few are lined up on February 25 and 26, followed by some in the first week of March.
The twin relaxations have changed the way many were organising their events. Earlier, organisers were splitting the total number of invitees between lunch and dinner. The midnight deadline has also made commuting easier.
This has come as a win-win situation for event organisers and caterers who were struggling with mounting losses.
“The impact of cancellations has been so intense that we are still struggling,” said Chandan Guha Thakurata of Bijoli Grill caterers.
Things had started looking up in November and early-December only to slip into a phase when calls would be about cancellations and refunds, people from the industry said. From organising six-seven events a day, most caterers struggled to find four or five bookings in a month.
“We were devastated. Bagging orders for an event with 50 invitees was a challenge. Things are gradually looking up,” said Vishal Dhar of Black Diamond Caterers. “We are thankful to the state government for the relaxations.”
“We had a booking for 400 invitees for an event in Singur, in Hooghly, in the first week of February. The organisers requested us to increase the number by another 200,” said Rongon Neogi of Continental Catering Services.
Several others said the new curfew timings have helped their staff return home after a party.
“Earlier, our boys would have to face several questions,” Bose said.