The Delhi government has announced that restaurants and bars in the capital will now be allowed to operate 24/7.
The requirement of tourism licences by restaurants will also be removed eventually.
In an attempt to end “permit raj” or permit rule, the government would also initiate processes to abolish the requirement of police and health trade licenses from local bodies for restaurants.
These announcements were made during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in attendance with the members of National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI).
The government aims to help the industry generate more employment through higher demand, there by setting up the “Delhi Model” that would establish the ease of doing business.
The statement said — “On the request of restaurateurs to allow 24/7 business, it was agreed that restaurants will be allowed to operate at all hours subject to the condition that they submit an undertaking that they will take care of the health and security of their entire staff.”
“Restaurants are key for employment generation in the city with lakhs of people employed in this industry. It is currently one of the most over-regulated industries, that requires multiple NOCs and duplication of licences. By deregulating the industry, more restaurants will open up and this will generate more employment and help the tourism industry,” said Riyaaz Amlani, restaurateur and NRAI member.
