Ahmedabad: On Thursday, the state government granted relief to certain gaming zone owners by issuing a new order to amend the regulations governing gaming activities and to issue licenses based on the previous GDCR provisions.

Prakash Dutta, joint secretary of the state urban development department, noted in the notification, “In consideration of public interest, the government has decided to exempt certain existing gaming establishments from the provisions of Regulation 6.23.3.W.”

On September 6 of this year, the state government introduced separate regulations for gaming activity areas, outlining requirements for road width, minimum area, building height, parking, and safety measures.

The new regulations stipulated that revised permissions must be obtained even if prior development or building use (BU) permissions had already been granted, including for properties currently in operation. However, after representations from the Gujarat Amusement Association, the state urban development department issued a notification on Thursday stating that BU permissions and structural stability provisions in the new GDCR would not apply to existing gaming and entertainment zones, with a cut-off date for this exemption set for September 5, 2024. Zones established after this date will need to comply with the new regulations.

Existing gaming and entertainment zones that have a valid NOC, development permissions from the relevant authorities, and construction that aligns with the approved plans will be exempt from the new regulations. These zones will be granted licenses as soon as possible, with the relevant authorities ensuring compliance with all BU, structural stability, and safety provisions.

The new GDCR provisions concerning building use (BU) permissions and margin rules will only apply to new applicants. Existing gaming and entertainment zones will need to prioritize fire safety regulations to obtain their licenses. This decision will also benefit gaming and entertainment zones located within shopping malls and complexes.

Gaming and entertainment zones must adhere strictly to safety and fire NOC regulations. Association president Hitesh Patel emphasized that all owners statewide will fully comply with safety regulations and urged the government to expedite the licensing process. DeshGujarat