Bengaluru Strike: Tea Shops, Bakeries and Cigarette Vendors Shut Over Licence, Extortion Issues

Several bakeries, tea stalls, coffee shops and condiment stores across Bengaluru remained closed on Thursday (June 19) as traders participated in a strike protesting alleged harassment by government officials and extortion demands from rowdies.

A ground visit by OneIndia found that many bakeries and small eateries in different parts of the city including Koramangala had downed their shutters in response to the bandh call. The closure affected the business of tea stalls, bakeries and neighbourhood condiment stores that cater to daily customers.

The protest was organised by trader associations representing bakery owners, tea and coffee stall operators, small retailers and street vendors. The associations claim that business owners are facing increasing pressure from officials enforcing various regulations, including the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), plastic ban norms and licensing requirements.

According to the organisers, Bengaluru has more than 58,000 bakeries, condiment shops, small retailers and street vendors. They allege that frequent inspections, multiple licence requirements and the seizure of tobacco products are causing financial losses to small traders.

Karnataka Labour Council president Ravi Shetty Byndoor said shop owners are being asked to obtain separate licences for different products sold in the same establishment.

"Shop owners are being asked to obtain separate licences for selling cigarettes, food items, and tea and coffee. We want a single licence that covers all these activities. People who depend on these businesses for their livelihood should not be harassed in the name of the law," he said.

The association also alleged that some traders are facing extortion demands from rowdies, while pressure from municipal health department officials has further added to their challenges.

With many establishments remaining shut, customers in several localities were forced to look for alternative places for their morning tea, coffee and snacks. Traders said the strike was intended to draw the government's attention to the issues faced by small business owners.

The association has warned of further protests if its demands are not addressed. It said demonstrations could be organised outside the residences and offices of elected representatives in the coming days.