Surat Hotels, Restaurants Get 7-Day Deadline to Install Kitchen CCTV Cameras

Surat: The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has given hotels and restaurants in the city a final seven-day deadline to install CCTV cameras in their kitchens and display live footage on screens in dining areas. Establishments that fail to comply could face action under applicable food safety laws, including licence suspension or cancellation.

Of the approximately 1,500 hotels and restaurants operating in Surat, only around 100 to 150 have installed the cameras and arranged screens for customers to watch food being prepared, according to civic officials. The remaining establishments have been directed to comply within seven days or face legal action.

The initiative aims to improve transparency and address public complaints about unhygienic conditions in restaurant kitchens. Under the directive, establishments must install CCTV cameras in their kitchens and provide TV or LED screens near dining areas to allow customers to monitor food preparation in real time.

Surat Municipal Corporation Food Safety Officer Bhavesh Brahmbhatt said the directive was issued by the Municipal Commissioner and the Health Officer to ensure that hotels and restaurants maintain proper hygiene standards.

Brahmbhatt said around 150 establishments had implemented the system so far, up from an initial count of 95. The remaining operators have been given seven days to make the necessary arrangements. Those who fail to comply could face legal proceedings, including action to suspend their licences under the applicable provisions.

Inspections conducted at 720 establishments

The SMC’s Health and Food Department has inspected around 720 hotels and restaurants over the past 10 days as part of its efforts to enforce food safety standards. Civic officials are also expected to intensify inspections after the deadline expires.

The Municipal Commissioner may personally conduct surprise inspections at establishments across the city to assess compliance. Hotels and restaurants found violating the directive could face strict action, including penalties, sealing of premises and licence cancellation, depending on the nature of the violation and the applicable legal provisions. DeshGujarat