On July 15, the state legislative council passed the Cow Slaughter (Prevention) Bill and the reverberations are running through Bangalore’s F&B industry. If the bill gets a nod from governor HR Bharadwaj and is approved by president Prathibha Patil, it will have a multi-layered impact in the state.
Shoaib Haroon, proprietor, The Only Place, does worry that with beef steaks being their USP, the ban on beef will affect the restaurant’s business, considering it’s rated as the city’s No. 1 steakhouse. During lunch or dinner — an average of 70 to 80 people eat at The Only Place — of which at least 50 eat beef. But his concern goes beyond that.
“I could always supplement my menu with newer chicken and mutton dishes,” says Haroon. But, this ban if implemented will have a ripple effect. For instance, Haroon points out that beef is one of the most affordable meats, not in terms of price but quantity; 1kg beef will feed more people in comparison to 1kg chicken.
“And what about the leather industry, and those who rear live-stock? And, of course, animals in the zoo, what will you feed them?” he asks. The state government, he feels, has been hasty and must re-think its stand.
For Jude Koshy, owner, Millers 46, also a speciality steakhouse, says the ban curbs individual freedom. “Personally, I do not understand why the government needs to decide what we can and cannot eat. But, they being elected representatives, we are at their mercy. Beef stakes make up only 25 per cent of my sales, but still I will see a drop.”
Unfortunately, says Koshy: “The hospitality industry is very fragmented. Even in the case of the 11.30pm deadline, we saw very few come together in protest. So, I doubt if we’ll be able to put any pressure on the government at all.” However, he says, “The suppliers have already taken a group stand, and filed petitions. So, we’ll have to wait and watch.” “Bangalore being a cosmopolitan city, with a diverse population, banning the consumption of beef might not go down well with many who’ve made this city their home,” says Haroon.
Sathish Thomas, partner, Windsor Pub, raises a point. According to him, banning cow slaughter will lead to a general imbalance. “If beef is removed from the market, the demand for other meat is bound to rise. That in turn will force the suppliers to hike the prices of chicken, mutton etc,” says Thomas. And, that, he says will reflect on the prices on menu cards. “Even my non beef-eating customers will be unhappy because of that,” says Thomas.
Santosh Koshy, joint managing director, Koshy’s Parade Café and Jewel Box, finds the ban impractical. Beef he says: “Is the staple diet for many South Indians, barring Brahmins and some others from the Hindu community.”
In addition, it’s more affordable in comparison to chicken and mutton, therefore, the ideal meat for non-vegetarians hailing from lower-middle class and poorer sections of the society.
Comments