Surat Hotels, Restaurants Get 7-Day Deadline to Install Kitchen CCTV Cameras

Surat: The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has given hotels and restaurants in the city a final seven-day deadline to install CCTV cameras in their kitchens and display live footage on screens in dining areas. Establishments that fail to comply could face action under applicable food safety laws, including licence suspension or cancellation.

Of the approximately 1,500 hotels and restaurants operating in Surat, only around 100 to 150 have installed the cameras and arranged screens for customers to watch food being prepared, according to civic officials. The remaining establishments have been directed to comply within seven days or face legal action.

The initiative aims to improve transparency and address public complaints about unhygienic conditions in restaurant kitchens. Under the directive, establishments must install CCTV cameras in their kitchens and provide TV or LED screens near dining areas to allow customers to monitor food preparation in real time.

Surat Municipal Corporation Food Safety Officer Bhavesh Brahmbhatt said the directive was issued by the Municipal Commissioner and the Health Officer to ensure that hotels and restaurants maintain proper hygiene standards.