Hotels in Maharashtra still need a clearance before they can operate a mixer-grinder, atta-chakki or instal a three-phase electrical connection. Licences like these could be scrapped as the state government considers slashing operational approvals for hotels from 71 to 21 to promote the ease of business in the hospitality industry.
To begin with, the state is thinking of doing away with 31 approvals which are archaic or redundant. The proposals are still under discussion and are yet to be approved.
“There are many permissions which have outlived their time. The laws on hotel permits have not been changed for decades,” officials said.
The state also plans to do away with municipal clea rances for hotels which are separately sought by the Food and Safety Standards Aut hority 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,” officials said.
The hotel 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.
“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 of the Hotel and Restaurants Association of Western India.
Easing norms for outdoor film shoots
The government is also planning to reduce permissions for outdoor film shoots and live events for the entertainment industry.”Currently, for an outdoor shoot which passes through several wards, you need permission from each ward. We are proposing a single approval,” officials say.
The state has also proposed a nodal agency to provide clearances for outdoor shoots and live events within the period of a week.
“In the case of live events, we are suggesting a few pre-approved venues like the MMRDA grounds or NSC ground where permissions can be streamlined,” officials said. TNN