Does the NRAI Support the Delhi LG's Decision to Eliminate Police NOC for Restaurants?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Removal of police NOC simplifies restaurant operations.
- Shifts licensing authority to local bodies.
- Encourages investment in the F&B sector.
- Supports small and medium-sized businesses.
- Reduces administrative hurdles.
New Delhi, June 23 (NationPress) The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) expressed its approval on Monday regarding the latest directive from Delhi Lt Governor V. K. Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. This order abolishes the necessity of acquiring a police ‘no-objection certificate’ (NOC) for managing restaurants in the national capital, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business.
With this new regulation, restaurants in Delhi are no longer mandated to secure the Delhi Police Eating House Licence.
This reform is anticipated to diminish bureaucratic obstacles and streamline the procedures for establishing and operating food enterprises within the city.
The directive also extends to various other establishments including hotels, motels, guest houses, swimming pools, discotheques, amusement parks, video game parlours, and auditoriums.
Per the updated guidelines, the authority to grant licenses will transition from the Delhi Police to local governing bodies such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), or the Delhi Cantonment Board.
The NRAI remarked that this change would facilitate smoother operations for businesses within the food and beverage (F&B) sector.
"This decision will minimize administrative obstacles and substantially enhance the ease of doing business in Delhi," the NRAI stated in an announcement.
"It will also stimulate increased investment in the F&B sector, ultimately benefiting the government through heightened revenue," they added.
The industry association mentioned that countless restaurant proprietors, particularly those managing small and medium-sized enterprises, stand to gain from this development.
"Many have long voiced concerns over the intricate and time-consuming process of securing various approvals and licenses," it noted.
NRAI President Sagar Daryani commented: "The removal of the requirement for the Delhi Police Eating House License is a significant relief for restaurateurs who have historically encountered unnecessary delays and complexities.”
“This reform will not only conserve time and resources but also cultivate a more dynamic, business-friendly atmosphere for both current and aspiring entrepreneurs in the F&B domain," Daryani emphasized.
NRAI's Delhi Chapter Head Sandeep Anand Goyle asserted that this initiative will stimulate entrepreneurship, generate additional employment opportunities, and help rejuvenate the ease of doing business in the food sector.