HRAWI Appeals For Single Window On Deadline Extension Approvals

By BW Hotelier THE HOTEL and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has welcomed the Maharashtra government’s decision to allow hotels and restaurants to operate till 5am on December 24, 25 and 31. However, it has expressed apprehension about being able to host Christmas Eve programmes as the necessary permissions are yet to be granted by the Police. The hotel owners are in a limbo and unable to make arrangements until the police extend their approval too. The HRAWI has appealed for blanket approvals on extension of timings on these days by default, as against ad hoc approvals given each year. It also has requested the Government to provide such approvals through a single window rather than from multiple departments like Police, Excise and others. Bharat Malkani, President, HRAWI and Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), (see photo) said, ’Firstly, we wish to express our thanks to the State Government for granting an extension on the deadline. But without all the approvals in place we cannot conceive special programs for our patrons. This not only affects the city from a business point of view in terms of revenues lost, both to exchequer and the establishments, but also restricts revellers from enjoying the spirit of the season to the fullest.’ ’Each year hotels face the dilemma of whether or not to proceed with making any special arrangements as we are unsure if all the permissions will come through in time. Even if the permissions do come through, it does no good for us to receive it at the eleventh hour because then we have very little time to make the required arrangements. Hence, we request all departments to expedite the process of giving permissions and extend the permissions through a single window,’ added Malkani. Earlier this year the Chief Minister had announced his commitment to promote tourism and create ease of doing business for the hotel industry in the state. Based on the proposals submitted by HRAWI, the Government in principle resolved to reduction of operating licenses from 75 to 25, requiring only 5 forms for obtaining all these licenses, abolishment of event licenses for pre-designated locations and permission for live performances, among others. Kamlesh Barot, past President, HRAWI, concluded, ’We are thankful to the Maharashtra state and especially Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for acknowledging some of the more critical issues faced by the hotel industry. However, this particular issue of deadline extension approvals coming at the last minute remains unaddressed. HRAWI has been requesting for a blanket deadline which will do away with the need for issuing notifications every year on these three days. This will not only bring in out-of-state tourists but also bring back the lost lustre of Mumbai, being the country's megapolis. We sincerely hope that the State gives this issue the due consideration and includes this in the ambit of ease of doing business in the state.’