By Aryan

Pune : The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) Pune Chapter successfully hosted an insightful session titled “Partners in Progress: Hospitality and Law Enforcement.” The event took place on 20th August at One Lounge Bar, Koregaon Park, and catered to an audience comprising Food and Beverage brand owners, industry decision-makers, venture capitalists, and key stakeholders from over 20 cities.

The event drew over 120 attendees, including F&B brand owners, domain experts, and venture capitalists. The keynote speaker, Mr. Sambhaji Kadam, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 3, provided valuable insights on the intersection of hospitality and law enforcement. The session highlighted critical factors aimed at enhancing the safety and efficiency of the hospitality industry through improved law enforcement practices.

Saili Jahagirdar, Head of the NRAI Pune Chapter and Owner of Zillionth Bistro & Billion Burgers emphasized, "The hospitality industry is growing rapidly, with high demand across various regions. This makes it crucial to establish a well-regulated, law-abiding system that ensures flexibility within the industry, benefiting both customers and service providers. Our goal is to foster a positive mindset among both customers and hospitality professionals. A streamlined legal framework that supports the industry is one of the most important factors in achieving this.”

Mr. Sambhaji Kadam, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 3, enlightened the audience with focused discussions on law enforcement in the hospitality industry, he made it clear that the safety and legal rights of the hospitality industry are a priority. He emphasized that no police officer, in uniform or otherwise, is allowed to enter a restaurant's premises without first calling the manager outside. Furthermore, he assured that female owners and managers are to be approached only in the presence of a female officer. This is a promise made to ensure the safety and rights of all, and any violations should be immediately reported. Our doors are always open, and we are here to work hand-in-hand with the industry to maintain safety and decorum."

The event highlighted the importance of strengthening the relationship between the hospitality industry and law enforcement, with a particular focus on promoting safety and compliance. The gathering emphasized the "Don't Drink and Drive" initiative, which has been a significant focus of the NRAI (National Restaurant Association of India) in recent months. This initiative, following a major incident within the industry, seeks to ensure that the hospitality sector is mindful of its responsibility towards customers while maintaining compliance with safety regulations. The event also served as an opportunity for industry professionals to connect, share best practices, and express gratitude for their partners, such as beverage and event sponsors, who play a key role in the success of such gatherings.

A key theme of the event was the importance of understanding and adhering to laws that directly impact the hospitality industry. The Commissioner of Police of Pune, and his team have shown tremendous support to the industry, outlining specific guidelines to protect business owners while maintaining legal compliance. These include instructions on how law enforcement officers are expected to approach inspections, particularly regarding the involvement of female entrepreneurs. Such legal clarifications are critical, as they help protect hospitality businesses from unnecessary legal disputes while ensuring that the operations remain within the boundaries of the law.

The strong partnership between the hospitality industry and law enforcers is crucial for creating a safe and supportive environment for both business operators and customers. The event reinforced the message that by working hand-in-hand with law enforcement, the industry can continue to thrive while maintaining safety standards and fostering trust between the authorities and the hospitality community.