Gloria Jean’s, Wild Wings Among Cafés Served Notices Over Registration Violations
Department of Tourist Services says several cafés and restaurants in Bahria Enclave were operating without mandatory registration under the Pakistan Hotels and Restaurants Act, 1976, and has sought written explanations before initiating legal action.
ISLAMABAD: The Department of Tourist Services (DTS), operating under the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, has launched action against several well-known cafés and restaurants in Islamabad’s Bahria Enclave for allegedly operating without the mandatory registration required under the Pakistan Hotels and Restaurants Act, 1976.
Restaurants Served Show-Cause Notices
According to official show-cause notices issued by the department, several food businesses have been asked to explain why legal action should not be initiated against them for allegedly running their operations without obtaining the required restaurant registration licence.
The establishments named in the notices include:
- Gloria Jean’s Coffees.
- Café Macaw.
- Wild Wings.
- Hot N Spicy.
- Hafsm Coffee & Cake.
- Burgerizza.
- Café 007.
Alleged Violations of the Law
The notices state that operating without registration constitutes a violation of:
- Section 5(1) of the Pakistan Hotels and Restaurants Act, 1976.
- Section 7 of the Pakistan Hotels and Restaurants Act, 1976.
Officials further stated that many of the establishments had previously been directed to complete their registration but allegedly failed to comply.
Businesses Directed to Respond
The department has directed the businesses to submit written replies within the stipulated period mentioned in the notices.
Failure to provide a satisfactory explanation could result in legal proceedings under Section 22(1) of the Act.
Penalties Under the Act
Under the law:
- Authorities may impose a penalty of up to Rs5,000.
- Continued non-compliance may attract an additional penalty of Rs1,000 per day until the violation is rectified.
- The outstanding amount may also be recovered as arrears of land revenue.
Police Also Informed
Copies of some notices have also been forwarded to the relevant police station with a request to assist in preventing continued illegal operations where required under the law.
Registration Mandatory for Hospitality Businesses
Officials from the Department of Tourist Services maintained that registration is mandatory for businesses operating in the hospitality sector and emphasized that no business, regardless of its size or brand recognition, is exempt from compliance with applicable laws.
