Priority short-list of 31 archaic approvals being prepared, no more duplication of municipal & FSSAI licences + combining of other permissions.
The state also plans to do away with municipal clearances for hotels which are separately sought by the Food and Safety Standards Authority of India. After that exercise, the government plans to band together similar approvals to bring down the number to 21.”To set up an eating house you need a licence from the municipality and the health department as well as an eating house licence. This could just be combined into one licence,” said the state official.
The Maharashtra government is considering slashing operational approvals and licences for hotels from 71 to 21 to help the hospitality industry.
To begin with, the state is thinking of doing away with 31 approvals which are archaic or redundant. This list is being finalised and is yet to be approved. “There are many permissions which have outlived their time. The laws on hotel permits have not been changed for decades,” said a Maharashtra government official.
The state also plans to do away with municipal clearances for hotels which are separately sought by the Food and Safety Standards Authority of India. After that exercise, the government plans to band together similar approvals to bring down the number to 21.”To set up an eating house you need a licence from the municipality and the health department as well as an eating house licence. This could just be combined into one licence,” said the state official.
The industry says it’s relieved but hopes the move targets redundant laws. It is hoping the Place of Public Entertainment Licence is the first to go. “We need to get police clearance while setting up even a sandwich shop. Why?” said NRAI president, Riyaaz Amlani, at the association’s 33rd AGM this week.
“Today we are expected to get a police licence which is renewed each year. If I set up a bar, I have to get another licence from the excise department and go back to the police for a Place of Public Entertainment Licence. Why do we need this despite having a police licence?” asks Bharat Malkani, president, HRAWI.
