Keeping in view the recent spurt in incidents of terrorism and other heinous crimes in different parts of the country and world, the Odisha police on Saturday issued guidelines for all hotels, lodges and guesthouses in the State.
DGP RP Sharma, in a letter to all Superintendents of Police and DCPs of the Commissionerate police, has directed for following the guidelines to ensure foolproof security and overall safety of the boarders in hotels and guesthouses.
The hotel owners and staffs have been asked to ensure timely registration and renewal as per the Sarai Act with the respective district Collectors and Commissioner of Police.
The hoteliers have been asked to install CCTVs to cover entry, exit, corridors, parking lots and other prominent locations and also improve the quality of already installed CCTV cameras to get clear pictures. Proper identification of occupants should be ensured and in case of suspicion information should be given to police immediately.
Besides, DMFD, baggage and vehicle scanners should also be installed for proper screening, timely renewal of licenses of bar and playing of music at such places under the Copyright Act should be ensured, the guidelines said.
Closure of bars within the prescribed time limit should be strictly ensured. Installation of fire safety equipments and fire safety drills at regular intervals must be done mandatorily.
Testing of security, safety system by organising demonstration should be done at regular intervals. Verification of character and antecedent of the employees as well as security guards should be done. A list of the employees should be furnished to the local police station. Proper parking arrangements in hotel premises should be created, the guidelines said.
Proprietor of the hotels, lodges, guest houses must ensure that no illegal activities are carried out within their premises in the guise of massage parlour or spa. Occupancy details should be submitted to the local police station and SP Office through hard copy as well as by e-mail in respect of occupants and foreigners daily, the directions said.