Lakeside firms demand shorter operating hours

By Santosh Subedi,Kaski, May 19: Business owners in Pokhara, Nepal’s tourism capital, have demanded a reduction in operating hours for nightlife businesses, stating the current provision allowing 24-hour operations has become a burden rather than a boon.

The policy promoting Lakeside as a destination open round the clock has created management difficulties for businesses, as tourists continue to seek services even late at night. Many entrepreneurs say they have struggled to cope with the demands created by the provision and have urged authorities to revoke the 24-hour operation policy, claiming that the tourist hub has become increasingly disorderly in recent times. They also argue that late-night operations have heightened security concerns.

Business representatives have submitted a memorandum to the District Administration Office Kaski, calling for stricter monitoring in tourist areas such as Lakeside and Damside due to rising noise pollution, disorderly activities, and deteriorating public security. They have demanded that all nightlife businesses be shut down after 2 am.

Taranath Pahari, president of the Pokhara Tourism Council, said problems had intensified due to the unchecked sale of alcohol from various shops, unnecessary late-night disturbances on the streets, reckless motorcycle riding and stunts, drug use, and increasing incidents of fights and disputes.

“Such activities have created fear among both tourists and local residents and are negatively affecting Pokhara’s tourism image,” he said. He also stated that hotel employees and operators had increasingly been using motorcycles and scooters to aggressively approach tourists at intersections and streets, pressuring them to stay at particular hotels by following or luring them. According to business owners, such practices undermine tourists’ freedom of choice and sense of security.

Laxman Subedi, president of the Hotel Association Pokhara, said the idea of keeping Lakeside open 24 hours a day has now become harmful to Pokhara’s tourism sector.

“Hotels naturally remain open round the clock for guests who have booked rooms, and regular services continue,” he said. “But allowing unrestricted operations in the name of 24-hour business has led to uncontrolled activities. It is understandable if travellers arrive late in Pokhara due to unavoidable reasons, but problems arise when visitors go out at night, drink excessively, and return intoxicated.”

He added that all-night operations have also disturbed guests seeking a peaceful environment.

Although the Kaski administration and business community jointly introduced a 42-point code of conduct in 2023 to regulate nightlife businesses, entrepreneurs said it has not been properly implemented. They argue that the policy was enforced without adequate infrastructure and management mechanisms.

According to Subedi, the code of conduct was formulated under the coordination of local authorities after a court order allowed Lakeside businesses to remain open 24 hours. While the framework was intended to organise and regulate the tourism area, he said effective implementation has yet to materialise.