Restaurateurs in Delhi started a chain message titled ‘Pledge of Solidarity’, where a recipient states ‘I Pledge’, adds the name of his or her outlet and forwards it to colleagues in the profession. The pledge states that at a trying time when the food and beverages industry is at a standstill and restaurateurs are fighting multiple battles, they mustn’t be done in by real estate manipulations. Many restaurant operators will be forced to vacate premises either on their own or under duress, the pledge cautions. With the commercial arrangements finalised in the pre-Covid era no longer relevant, the message adds, many landlords may use pressure tactics such as non-refund or deduction of deposits and court cases. Within 12 hours of floating the message on August 7, over 300 restaurants signed their support for the cause. While indications of resumption of business from hospitality outlets was heartening, many restaurateurs said that non-cooperation by landlords and state and central governments could kill Delhi’s lounges and bars. Permission to serve alcohol will also enable many restaurants to return to functioning with full workforce. Almost the entire bar staff in most of the outlets are currently on leave without pay.