Himachal Follows UP in Requiring Names of Eatery Owners to be Displayed

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh will soon require restaurants and eateries to display the names of their owners and staff, following a similar mandate implemented by the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh. The Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government plans to finalise the rule at an upcoming meeting and implement it from January, starting with Shimla, according to sources.

The state government intends to use the interim period for preparations, including issuing identity cards to relevant personnel. Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh confirmed the move, emphasising that the regulation aims to ensure the supply of hygienic food.

“We are committed to enforcing the rule, similar to Uttar Pradesh,” Singh said, highlighting public concerns about food safety at various food stalls. The decision was taken in coordination with the Urban Development Ministry and the Municipal Corporation.

Earlier this year, the Uttar Pradesh government faced criticism for introducing a rule mandating the display of owner and manager names at eateries along the Kanwar Yatra routes, citing transparency and informed food choices for kanwariyas. The move followed several disturbing incidents of food contamination, including videos showing workers spitting in food.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reinforced the rule after reports of human waste being mixed with food at some eateries. Additional guidelines, such as mandatory masks, gloves for staff and CCTV installation in restaurants, were also introduced to improve food safety and hygiene.