Biratnagar, November 2
The District Administration Office in Morang has directed hotels in Biratnagar to close their gates by 10 pm and ensure that guests leave by 10:30 pm.
The time limit was introduced following an all-party meeting held a few days ago.
Assistant Chief District Officer of Morang Saroj Koirala said the restriction would remain in place until an integrated standard governing nightlife businesses across the district is prepared. A new decision will be made once the standard is finalised, which is expected within a month.
“Accidents increased when passengers who had been drinking at hotels until midnight left the premises. The safety of women working there was also not ensured,” Koirala said. “The decision to close hotels by 10 pm will remain in effect until an integrated standard for nighttime entertainment businesses is prepared. The closing time can be extended once the standard is in place.”
Vehicles continue to move along Biratnagar’s roads throughout the night, while flights at Biratnagar Airport also operate until midnight.
The decision has drawn criticism from Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki, who expressed dissatisfaction over the district administration’s move, saying it had been made without coordination with the provincial government.
Karki said the state had a responsibility to ensure the safety of citizens and tourists around the clock. He described the administration’s decision as irresponsible and unfriendly to tourism.
Tourists do not necessarily arrive at destinations according to fixed schedules, he said.
“Visitors travelling for tourism may arrive or depart in the morning, during the day or at night. If our own Biratnagar domestic airport operates until late at night and people’s movement continues around the clock as road networks expand, how can we impose such restrictions?” he said.
Referring to travellers arriving in Biratnagar and nearby cities from border towns in neighbouring India, Karki questioned what would happen if tourists or passengers who arrived in those towns at 8 or 9 pm reached Nepal after 10 pm.
“Are we going to tell them not to come to our country or cities? Or should we tell people arriving at night by road from within our own country to remain on the bus and not get off?” he asked.
Karki said the state and local administration must provide security and services to citizens and visitors at all hours.
“The state or local administration must provide services and security to tourists and citizens 24 hours a day. The state cannot say that security is available during the day but not at night,” he said. “No one can evade the responsibility of protecting the lives and property of citizens and our guests under any pretext.”
He also said the local administration should consult and coordinate with the provincial government and local levels before making decisions with significant and long-term consequences.
“One must think ten times before issuing such irresponsible notices,” Karki said, adding that decisions that could harm the country’s reputation, the tourism sector and local businesses should be avoided.
