The cuisine of Kerala is as distinctive as its cultural life and religious traditions. Influenced by the long coastline and flavoured by the all-pervasive coconut, it has become one of the most sought-after experiences of God's Own Country. Enriched with tropical fruits, vegetables, cereals, seafood and herbs and garnished with rich spices, the exotic dishes of Kerala are turning out to be increasingly irresistible for more and more tourists. So also the number of restaurants that cater to tourists from all over the world, making it imperative to evaluate the quality and service standards of restaurants and classify them accordingly. The Department of Tourism has taken stringent measures to ensure that customers enjoy high quality services and cuisine of international standards.
General terms and conditions
- Classification from the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala is not mandatory to operate a restaurant in the State.
- Classification for newly operational restaurants must be sought within 3 months of completion of restaurant projects.
- Operating restaurants may opt for classification at any stage. However, restaurants seeking re-classification should apply one year prior to the expiry of the current period of classification.
- If the restaurant fails to reapply one year before the expiry of the classification order, the application will be treated as a fresh classification case.
- Once a restaurant applies for classification/re-classification, it should be ready at all times for inspection by the Restaurant Classification Committee of Kerala (RCCK). No requests for deferment of inspection will be entertained.
- Classification will be valid for 3 (three) years from the date of issue of orders or in case of re-classification, from the date of expiry of the last classification provided that the application has been received within the stipulated time mentioned above, along with all valid documents. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- Restaurants applying for classification must provide the following documentation.
- All applications for classification or re-classification must be complete in all respects - application form, application fee, prescribed clearances, NOCs, certificates etc. Incomplete application is liable to be rejected.
The Restaurant Classification Committee of Kerala (RCCK) will look into the following criteria
- The presence of facilities and services will be evaluated against the checklist of necessities.
- New projects will be required to adopt environment-friendly practices.
- Existing restaurants being classified will need to conform to a phased plan for adding eco-friendly practices and facilities.
- The quality of facilities and services will be evaluated against the mark sheet.
- The restaurant is expected to maintain required standards at all times. The Classification Committee may inspect a restaurant at any time without previous notice.
- Any deficiencies/rectification pointed out by the RCCK must be complied with within the stipulated time, which has been allotted in consultation with the restaurant representatives during inspection. Failure to do so will result in rejection of the application.
- The committee may assign a star category lower but not higher than that applied for.
- The restaurant must be able to convince the committee that they are taking sufficient steps for energy conservation, water harvesting, garbage segregation, disposal/recycling as per Pollution Control Board (PCB) norms and following other eco-friendly measures.
- For any change in the star category the promoters must apply afresh with an application form and requisite fees for the category applied for.
- Any changes in the plans or management of the restaurant should be informed to the RCCK, Department of Tourism, Govt. of Kerala within 30 days. Otherwise the classification will stand withdrawn/terminated.
- Applicants are requested to go through the checklist of facilities and services before applying.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered. All cases of classification would be finalised within three months of the application being made.
- The Department of Tourism, Govt. of Kerala reserves the right to modify the guidelines/terms and conditions from time to time.
Application procedure
- The application fees payable for classification are as follows: Star Category (Classification/Re-classification fees in Rs.) • 1 Star - 6,000 • 2 Star - 6,000 • 3 Star - 6,000 • 4 Star - 10,000 • 5 Star - 10,000
- The duly filled application form in the prescribed format available at the Department of Tourism along with application fee, prescribed clearances, NOCs, certificates etc. should be sent to the Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala.
Incentives & Supports
- Restuarants approved by the Department of Tourism will be eligible for claiming 10% state investment subsidy subject to a maximum of Rs. 10 lakhs. Additional incentive of 15% of the investment subject to a maximum of Rs. 5 lakhs for pollution control measures
- Support to avail loans from state financial corporations
- Concession in electricity charges
- Guidance and publicity support from the State Government
|
