The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Hotels get a breather

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jun 29, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Hotels get a breather

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, JUNE 28. The police are firm about implementing the 9 p.m. stipulation, but will go slow on it. Explaining the reasons that drove police to enforce the rule, the Hyderabad Police Commissioner, R.P. Singh, at a press conference on Monday, announced that hotels would be given time till July 15 to seek police licenses.

"We'll not ask small-time road-side eateries or tea stalls near bus and railway stations to apply for licenses. Our aim is to ensure that no law and order problems erupt at places with trade licenses," Mr. Singh maintained.

However, he could not furnish details when asked about the number of offences reported at hotels in city. "We don't have statistics, but we have been receiving complaints of vehicle thefts, quarrels at such places being kept open beyond 9 p.m.," he added.

Defending the rule, he said it would give the police an opportunity to examine traffic and parking problems of the areas where such hotels, eateries and tea stalls are located.

Referring to helmet rule that is not being enforced by the police, Mr. Singh replied that the Government had issued directions to implement it only after giving adequate publicity and building awareness among public.

But, the Commissioner made it clear that there would be no relaxation in inspection of bars to check violation of license conditions. As per license rules, a bar owner cannot employ six female dancers.

However, this rule has been violated on several occasions, he remarked.

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