Even as hygiene and food quality in hotels across the city have come under the scanner, it is the mindset of the eatery owners that is the key, feels Vasudev Adiga, president of Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association.
“Owners have to realise that their premises need to be kept clean and tidy. Keeping the place hygienic is an obligation under the licensing rule of the city corporation,” said Mr. Adiga, whose association has over 1,500 hotels as members.
Workshops
He, however, stated that the association on its own cannot take any punitive action against members found to be violating cleanliness norms. The association has been conducting awareness workshops for members on this issue from time to time. Just because some hotels are found to be lacking in cleanliness, it cannot be generalised that all hotels are bad.
Mr. Adiga was also critical about the functioning of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the licensing authority that issues trade licences. “Health inspectors should visit the hotels regularly, which will keep owners on their toes. What the BBMP is undertaking is much-publicised raids, which could erode the reputation of the hotels,” he said.
The BBMP, instead of only imposing fines and penalties, should undertake awareness programmes regularly which could lead to better compliance on the part of hotel owners.
Unlicensed eateries
He also pointed out that a large number of unlicensed eateries on street serve food in unhygienic conditions that are not regulated by the city authorities, though they also cause health concerns.
