Swine flu hits restaurant business in Pune

Swine flu, which has so far claimed 12 lives here, has taken a toll on the business of restaurants and hotels in the city with fewer people venturing out for a quick bite at their favourite eateries .

Some hotels have downed their shutters due to dwindling business while those who have kept their establishments open are finding few takers.

"As there were no customers, some restaurant owners have decided to close their restaurants for an indefinite period. 75 per cent of our business has been hit ever since the flu virus hit the city, " Kanakdas Shetty, president of Pune Restaurant and Hoteliers Association, told PTI.

Alarmed by the growing number of swine flu deaths and its fast spreading infection, authorities in Pune have already shut schools, colleges and cinema theatres.

There are about 1,000 restaurants and hotels in the city.

Even the main vegetable market will remain closed for three days from Thursday, Shetty said.

"So from where do we get vegetables to cook and serve the customers,? he said.

"This is the worst time we are facing ," Shetty aded.