Traders support LG decision to remove police control over commercial activities

Time of India

7 days ago

New Delhi: Traders across the capital have welcomed LG VK Saxena's decision to withdraw Delhi Police's regulatory control over seven commercial activities—including motels, guesthouses, discotheques, amusement parks and eating establishments.
Various trade and sectoral associations, citing their earlier meetings with Delhi govt, noted that while agencies like the fire department, DPCC and civic bodies oversaw fire safety, hygiene and environmental standards, Delhi Police played no significant role in the actual business verification process.
Representatives from restaurant associations highlighted that only select cities like Delhi and Kolkata mandated police licensing for eateries—a requirement they described as outdated and unnecessary.
Manpreet Singh, treasurer of National Restaurant Association of India, called LG's decision a progressive step that would improve ease of doing business in Delhi. "For opening an eating establishment, entrepreneurs already need clearances from DPCC, fire department, MCD/NDMC, FSSAI and state excise," he said. "Despite this, police still require documents like rent agreements and fresh verification every year—even if the same owner runs multiple outlets.
This duplicative process is time-consuming and burdensome. Ideally, simply informing the police should suffice—no separate license should be needed."
The decision will particularly benefit small business owners and startups who often lack the resources to navigate multiple layers of regulation and annual scrutiny. The move will level the playing field and boost entrepreneurship in the city.
Atul Bhargawa, president of New Delhi Traders Association, said the order—once implemented—would help streamline operations in popular commercial hubs like Connaught Place and Khan Market, where the restaurant industry often faced procedural delays.
In the case of guesthouses, traders explained that four agencies currently issued mandatory no-objection certificates (NoCs): Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), MCD, fire department and Delhi Police. The new order eliminates the requirement for a police NoC, reducing bureaucratic red tape and easing compliance for businesses.
Pawan Mittal, general secretary of Hotel Mahasangh, said that until now, Delhi Police acted as the nodal agency via an online portal.
"We have to apply with police first, and they forward the request to agencies like DPCC, fire department and MCD. After they grant NoCs, police give their final nod," he said. "But while others verify technical aspects—such as whether generators meet pollution control norms or if fire safety systems are in place—police have no significant role."
Brijesh Goyal, convenor of Chamber of Trade & Industry, said their delegation had raised this issue during a recent meeting with Delhi's minister of industries, food & supplies, and environment Manjinder Singh Sirsa.
"We supported the removal of police licensing for motels and guesthouses. Now that LG has issued the order, we hope a gazette notification or confirmation from Delhi Police will follow soon," Goyal said.