Mysuru: A day after Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) launched a citywide inspection drive to assess the condition of hotels and restaurants, the city-based Hotel Owners’ Association (HOA) has urged the authorities not to order the immediate closure of establishments found violating norms. Instead, the association has sought one month’s time for the establishments to rectify deficiencies and comply with safety regulations.HOA president C Narayana Gowda appealed to DC G Lakshmikanth Reddy and other officials to adopt a balanced approach that ensures public safety without disrupting businesses.On Day 2, the MCC shutdown 13 hotels/restaurants and other establishments in the city for various violations. Authorities issued notices to 26 other establishments. According to the authorities, during the drive, 39 establishments were found violating the norms fixed for their operations.MCC had inspected 31 hotels across the city on Friday. Of these, nine establishments were ordered to shut down, notices were issued or proposed to be issued to 16 hotels, and three were directed to implement fire safety measures.Referring to the recent fire tragedy at a restaurant in Dattagalli that claimed some lives, he said the incident was unfortunate and had tarnished the image of the city.“We welcome the stringent action being taken by the departments concerned following the tragedy and agree that public safety must remain the highest priority. However, the sudden inspections and immediate closure orders issued to several hotels and restaurants have placed entrepreneurs under severe hardship,” he said.The association also requested the district administration to convene a meeting of stakeholders — officials of departments concerned and representatives of the hotel and restaurant industry — to provide clear guidance on regulatory requirements and safety standards. Such an exercise, it said, would improve coordination between the authorities and business establishments.
