?Food safety department decides to check licence of restaurants, hotels and shops selling edibles

The department of food safety has decided to launch an extensive drive to crack down on restaurants, hotels and shops selling edibles without any licence in Gurugram.

A rough estimate suggests that there are at least 300 eateries — mainly bakeries, sweet shops, street vendors, tea stalls and such other small outlets that common people visit frequently — across Gurugram are running without licence.

During the crackdown, which is likely to kick off later this month, officials will inspect all shops and restaurants to check the quality of food or beverages served. 

Also, officials will check if outlets have registered themselves with the department and whether they have validity licence. 

Shops found without a valid licence will be sealed and a case will be registered against their owners.

Dr KK Sharma, The food safety officer, Gurugram, said, "We will carry out random inspections of shops and collect food samples. Also, we will check their registration and licence details. Owners will be prosecuted in case of any violation."

The department has extended the deadlines to apply for the licence six times in the past three years, yet many eatery owners failed to abide by the order.