Surat SMC Gives Hotels 7 Days to Install Kitchen CCTV Cameras

SURAT: Hotels and restaurants in Surat have been put on notice: install CCTV cameras in kitchens and display live footage to customers within seven days, or face action that could cost them their operating licences. Despite around 1,500 hotels and restaurants functioning across the city, only 100 to 150 establishments have reportedly installed the required surveillance systems, raising questions over compliance with the civic body’s food-safety directive.

The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has warned that establishments failing to meet the deadline will face notices and proceedings to suspend or cancel their licences under applicable food-safety provisions.

Customers to Watch Food Being Prepared

The initiative follows complaints received by the Municipal Commissioner about food being prepared in unhygienic kitchen conditions. Under the directive, hotels and restaurants must install CCTV cameras in their kitchens and place television or LED screens near dining areas, allowing customers to watch food preparation live.

The move is aimed at improving transparency and enabling diners to assess kitchen hygiene instead of relying solely on assurances from restaurant operators.

Seven-day deadline issued

SMC Food Safety Officer Bhavesh Brahmbhatt confirmed that the Commissioner and Health Officer had directed establishments to implement the system.

“The remaining establishments have been given seven days to install CCTV cameras in their kitchens and display the live feed in the seating area,” Brahmbhatt said, adding that notices and licence-suspension proceedings would follow in cases of non-compliance.

He said the number of establishments implementing the system had increased from an initial 95 to around 150.

Inspections Cover 720 Establishments

The civic body’s Health and Food Department has inspected around 720 hotels and restaurants over the past 10 days as part of its enforcement drive. However, most establishments have yet to demonstrate compliance with the kitchen-surveillance requirement.

The SMC is also considering surprise inspections by the Municipal Commissioner after the deadline expires. Establishments found violating applicable rules could face penalties, sealing of premises and licence cancellation, depending on the nature of the violation and the legal provisions invoked.

With the deadline approaching, restaurant operators face pressure to comply, while customers will be watching whether the initiative translates into cleaner kitchens and stronger accountability across Surat’s food businesses.