Thiruvananthapuram: The convenient food ordering apps have turned out to be an inconvenience for eateries that the Kerala Hotels and Restaurants Association decided to disassociate all ties with Swiggy, Uber Eats and Zomato.
But it came as a massive blow to the common man and hundreds of youngsters earning a living from door delivery services.
The Association, which claims a 100,000-membership, decided to sever their tie-ups in Ernakulam district from December 1, 2018. Association president M. Moideenkutty Haji said the apps are distancing consumers from hotels and restaurants, which is going to affect the food business industry in the long run adversely. He said that the industry provides livelihood to over 20 lakh employees.
"The involvement of multinational companies is ruining our business. These companies are delivering food giving additional discounts. The government is collecting 5 per cent GST from restaurants and 18 per cent GST from catering units. These food ordering apps may be good for some, but in the long run it's going to land us in trouble as the customers will stop coming to restaurants," the Haji added.
He said that the Association is planning to develop an app to provide an alternative for the customers. "We will develop our own delivery networks and mobile app for the convenience of customers," he said.
However, hundreds of youngsters who have rolled in for food delivery have landed in trouble.
Jithin Satheesh Panicker, a youngster who works with Swiggy, said that the livelihood of many like him would get affected.
"After the introduction of the apps, the sale has increased exponentially. I don't understand why the association took such a decision.
This will adversely affect their business," said Jithin. Sarath Kumar, another delivery boy, shares the same concern.
"Many people earn a living from this. I know many students who do part-time deliveries. This is unfair," he said.
However, many hotels and restaurants in the city have refused to boycott the apps.
"Now it may look good because of the huge business. But ultimately we will stand with the decision of the Association," said hotelier B. Vijayakumar.
