Fire safety measures for liquor serving outlets mandatory

Hotels, resto-bars, clubs and bonded warehouses dealing in liquor in the capital are instructed by the Delhi government to have proper fire safety arrangements in place. This directive comes shortly after a recent fire tragedy in a private hospital in East Delhi, which led to the death of seven newborns.

Recently, the excise department of Delhi government has instructed that the resto-bars and eateries in Delhi having less than 90 square metres area will also need to adhere to all precautions and adequate safety measures, failing which action would be taken against them which include suspension or cancellation of licence.

In Delhi, the fire department grants no objection certificates (NOC) to restaurants and eateries with an area of 90 square metres and above. According to a recently issued circular, now the excise department of Delhi is mandatorily seeing an affidavit regarding compliance of fire safety measures from those restaurants in Delhi, which are having area less than 90 square metres.

Under Rule 51(10)(h) of Delhi Excise Rules, 2010, retail licence needs requirement of NOC from the fire department for consumption of liquor on the premises.