Mumbai Hoteliers not happy with the recent
Food Truck Policy considered under 24×7 Policy- Delegation of AHAR meets Executive Health Officer
Mumbai Hoteliers feel that the Food Truck Policy being considered under the recent 24×7 Night-Life policy mooted by Maharashtra State Government will grossly affect Sheir business.
In view of this a Delegation of AHAR met the Executive Health Officer (EHO) Dr. Padmaja Keskar, Deputy EHO Daksha Shah and handed to her a letter which citing their objection to it..According to the Delegation, it will impact on the business of the Hoteliers to a great extent. grossly affected. An Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR) delegation on Monday met BMC officials, to object to the civic body’s prop cvosed food truck policy, being considered under the Mumbai 24×7 concept, which was cleared a few days back.
As per the Officials of the Maharashtra State Government recent policy and rules, in the initial stage, not more than five food trucks should be there at any location and that they will be permitted to stay at the location only between 11pm-6am and the grace is only upto 6.15am.The distance between two trucks should be at least 20 metres. Only 40% of the pavement could be covered by them and not more four holding tables (16 seats) per truck.
However, the AHAR Vice-President Niranjan Shetty affirms that their apprehension was that the policy will provide a back-door entry to hawkers on streets Nevertheless, the policy allows seating arrangements. This is not acceptable to the Hoteliers. As of today, we Hoteliers need to follow various norms, from licences to fire safety, and ensure permission is taken from all departments. Huge amounts are spent for ensuring hygiene and the safety of customers.
No such permission will be required in the case of food trucks,” said Shetty. He added, this is a huge cause for concern, as footfalls are already low.
According to former AHAR president Adarsh Shetty even as the late night food truck culture exists the world over, there is a level-playing field too.
However, the Civic officials state that in accordance to the policy hygiene has to be maintained.
News Edit by K.V.Raman
