HRAWI Petition For Abolishing Of Sign Board Licences Gets A Thumbs Up From Maha Govt

“Beginning Of The End Of Licence Raj”

Mumbai: In a landmark move the Government of Maharashtra granted the long standing demand of hoteliers and restaurateurs and abolished the sign board licenses. A recent circular issued by the Government of Maharashtra has done away with the need for retail establishments to obtain licence for advertising their own business at their operational premises. The circular has also indicated that along with the licence, retailers will no longer have to pay for the fee either. The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) which has been leading advocacy for the cancellation of the license has welcomed the move and has commended the Government for taking progressive steps towards facilitating the ease of doing business policy.

“The move comes on the back of the ‘Model Shops and Establishments Bill’ which the Union

Bharat Malkani, President, HRAWI

Cabinet has recently given a nod to which essentially allows establishments to remain operational 24/7. Although, the State Government is yet to finalize on introducing this bill in Maharashtra, the abolishment of the sign board licence is an encouraging indication of the Government’s outlook towards ease of doing business,” says Mr. Bharat Malkani, President, HRAWI.

The new circular states that sky-signs are mainly set up for advertising, which is an integral component of every retail store. As long as the sky sign is fixed in and out of the self-owned, leased or mortgaged premise of the retail store, by the trader advertising his own business it shall not attract the requirement of permission of the Commissioner or Chief Officer or Competent Authority and payment of fees.

“The HRAWI has been tirelessly following-up with the Government for many years, including the previous Governments, to rationalize laws and policies that are either archaic or simply irrelevant today. The abolishment of this licence is welcomed by the association and the industry,” concludes Mr. Malkani.

About Hotel & Restaurant Association Western India (HRAWI)

The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) is a 66 years old Association of Hotels and Restaurants in Western India. Its members include smaller Hotels up to 5-Star Deluxe categories. The bulk of its members like any growth economy are made up of budget hotels. With around 1300 members across Western India, HRAWI covers Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa and the Union Territories of Daman, Diu & Silvassa, and is considered to be the voice of the Hotel Industry. The association is part of the national body of Federation of the Hotels & Restaurants Associations of India (FHRAI), located in New Delhi, which was originally founded in Mumbai in 1950 by the late Mr. J.R.D. Tata.

For more information about the association please visit: www.hrawi.com

HRAWI HAILS MOVE; PETITIONS GUJ, MAHA, M P & GOA GOVT. TO EXPEDITE AMENDMENT

Mumbai Hotels Optimistic On 24/7 Operations On The Back Of Union Cabinet’s ‘Model Shops and Establishments’ Bill Approval

Mumbai: The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has welcomed the Union Cabinet’s decision to introduce the ‘model shops and establishments’ bill and has expressed hope that Maharashtra, Goa, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat Governments will amend the law in their respective States at the earliest. The bill proposes to allow malls, restaurants, multiplexes and other retail establishments to remain open 24/7. When implemented, it could change the dynamics of business and nightlife, especially in the cities. The Hon’ Chief Minister of Maharashtra although has not yet declared his take on the bill, the hotel industry has expressed optimism and is expecting an expedited implementation.

“Our association has been advocating the proposal to make Mumbai a 24/7 city for quite a few years. With the Union Government’s approval, this bill may just become a reality and if implemented, it will be a landmark decision that will lead to increased revenues, employment opportunities and safety for its citizens, especially women,” says Mr. Bharat Malkani, President, HRAWI. “We welcome the centre’s proposal and strongly urge our Hon’ CM, Shri. Devendra Fadanavis to make the city 24/7 operational considering the positive outcomes of this decision,” he adds.

Last year, both the BMC and the then Police Commissioner had in principle agreed to the association’s proposal for a 24/7 Mumbai.

“An active night life offers many direct benefits to the tourism and hospitality industry. Business travellers often spend an extra night or two at destinations that have an active night life. Visitors, especially from Europe and United States, have a culture of unwinding after a day’s work. An extra night spent by tourists in Maharashtra can generate Rs. 603 crores as extra revenue for the government coffers,” concludes Mr. Kamlesh Barot, past President, HRAWI.

About Hotel & Restaurant Association Western India (HRAWI)

The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) is a 66 years old Association of Hotels and Restaurants in Western India. Its members include smaller Hotels up to 5-Star Deluxe categories. The bulk of its members like any growth economy are made up of budget hotels. With around 1300 members across Western India, HRAWI covers Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa and the Union Territories of Daman, Diu & Silvassa, and is considered to be the voice of the Hotel Industry. The association is part of the national body of Federation of the Hotels & Restaurants Associations of India (FHRAI), located in New Delhi, which was originally founded in Mumbai in 1950 by the late Mr. J.R.D. Tata.

For more information about the association please visit: www.hrawi.com