At least 12 restaurants on KP’s ‘rooftop list’ are not on rooftops
Times of India | 6 May 2025
12 Kolkata: The police list of 83 food and beverage establishments allegedly operating from rooftops in Kolkata has created confusion, as several venues — at least 12 — mentioned do not actually operate from the terrace.
The circulation of this list on social media has adversely affected business, with many establishments experiencing a dip in customer footfall over the weekend as patrons were uncertain about their operational status.
The compilation, sent to the municipal commissioner by the joint commissioner of police, headquarters (memo no 125/HQ/C), comprises establishments reported by various Kolkata police stations to Lalbazar on Thursday. Police said the list was not exhaustive and that it was upon KMC to verify or act on it.
Whilst some establishments are rooftop venues, the list incorrectly includes restaurants in malls, a floating hotel on river Hooghly, and a business hotel with ground-floor dining facilities.
Three establishments — Chili's, Asia Kitchen and Hoppipola — operate from the fourth floor of Acropolis Mall. Sushil Mohta, Merlin Group chairman, expressed willingness to cooperate with authorities for inspection.
Speciality Restaurants founder Anjan Chatterjee confirmed that both Asia Kitchen and Hoppipola operate from the mall's fourth floor, not the terrace.
Several ground and first-floor establishments appear on the list, including Tandoor Park at Selimpur, Raj Restaurant on Raja SC Mullick Road and Zyka in New Alipore. Four hotels — Floatel Manor, Vivanta Hotel, Park Prime and Astor Hotel — are also listed.
Staff at Lords & Barons on Park Street and 21B on Alipore Road said their rooftop sections have been closed for some time. Somersault on AJC Bose Road is actually a children's play area, not a dining establishment.
National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) Kolkata chapter head Abhimanyu Maheshwari highlighted the confusion, questioning the inclusion of non-rooftop venues and enclosed balconies, whilst considering legal options.
Hotel & Restaurant Association of Eastern India (HRAEI) secretary Pranav Singh emphasised the importance of legal compliance and fire safety standards, noting employment concerns and hoping for swift clarification.