Hotels association dubs BBMP’s 26-day meat ban for Aero India 'unscientific'

Food waste and leftovers are put in garbage bags and disposed of via garbage disposal vehicles every day. There are no food piles in the vicinity of hotels for birds to feed on, the letter from the Bangalore Hotels Association said.

Bengaluru: Ahead of the Aero India show, the Bangalore Hotels Association has slammed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for its 26-day meat ban, calling it “unscientific” and harmful to the hospitality industry.

On January 17, the BBMP Joint Commissioner (Yelahanka Zone) issued a public notice mandating the closure of meat, chicken, and fish stores, along with a prohibition on non-vegetarian dishes, within a 13-km radius of the Yelahanka Air Force Station from January 23 to February 17.

The notice warned that violations would invite penalties under the BBMP Act 2020 and Rule 91 of the Indian Aircraft Rules 1937.

In a letter addressed to the BBMP on Monday, the Bangalore Hotels Association argued that the directive would severely impact the livelihood of over 5,000 small- and medium-sized restaurants, bars, pubs, and luxury hotels in the area.

Highlighting the importance of non-vegetarian dishes for their customers, the association pointed out that food waste from hotels is managed daily through proper garbage disposal, leaving no piles to attract birds. They also noted that meat-based dishes are expected to be served inside the Air Force Station during the event itself.

“This decision is impractical and unnecessary. Weddings, events, and business meetings are scheduled during this period, and the ban would result in significant losses for the hospitality sector,” the letter stated.

Another option 

The association proposed a more reasonable alternative — a one-week closure of butcher shops near the Yelahanka Air Force Station, if deemed necessary.

“How can over 5,000 establishments be expected to sustain operations, pay rents, and staff salaries without selling non-vegetarian dishes for nearly a month? Most of their customers come specifically for non-vegetarian food,” said PC Rao, honorary president of the Bangalore Hotels Association.

The association has also sent copies of the letter to the BBMP chief commissioner and the special commissioner (Health).