As smog continues to impact Lahore, it’s understandable that the government is considering measures to limit emissions by implementing ‘Green Lockdown’. However, targeting the hospitality sector—especially by proposing restrictions on restaurants—might miss the mark and potentially harm local businesses without addressing the root of the problem.

Lahore’s hospitality industry is not the primary cause of smog. The true contributors are widespread factors like vehicular emissions, agricultural stubble burning, and industrial pollution. Under the guise of Green Lockdown, implementing restrictions on restaurant operating hours or open-air BBQs will not tackle the underlying causes of pollution. In fact, reducing restaurant hours could inadvertently lead to increased traffic congestion as customers rush to dine within a shorter time window, which may only add to air pollution.

Instead, let’s focus on sustainable solutions that address the real sources of smog. Prioritizing regulations for high-emission vehicles, promoting eco-friendly transportation, and managing industrial emissions would be far more effective. Encouraging practices like ensuring proper waste disposal and introducing clean fuel initiatives could make a meaningful difference.

Additionally, any SOPs or solutions the government proposes for restaurants and open BBQ outlets should be affordable and easy for small business owners to implement. Costly or overly complex measures could place an undue burden on local restaurateurs, especially those operating on modest budgets. Accessible, practical guidelines would help ensure compliance and benefit the environment without harming livelihoods.

The hospitality sector contributes significantly to Lahore’s economy and culture especially during the winter season. By targeting the root causes of pollution rather than placing undue restrictions on restaurants, the government can support business-friendly policies that protect the environment without stifling local enterprises.