Consumer health at risk: Government cracks down on 87 hotels, fines 13

KATHMANDU: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has intensified market surveillance across the Kathmandu Valley, taking action against 87 hotels, restaurants, and snack shops for endangering consumer health and violating mandatory legal standards. Of the total, 13 establishments have been fined, while more than 70 others have been ordered to make immediate corrections.

The action followed a 22-day inspection campaign carried out between Poush 4 and Poush 22, targeting high-traffic commercial areas including Koteshwor, Kalanki, Gongabu, Chabahil, and Balaju. According to the department, widespread non-compliance was found, with many businesses failing to meet even minimum regulatory requirements.

Inspection Officer Amit Kumar Jha said most violations involved operating without business registration, absence of menu or price lists, arbitrary pricing, and failure to issue VAT or PAN bills. “Our monitoring focused on five core compliance areas—business registration, display of menu and price lists, purchase invoices, and proper billing practices,” Jha said. “In many cases, hotels and restaurants were found charging customers without transparency.”

Businesses found operating without registration or price lists were fined on the spot, while those with sanitation-related shortcomings were given immediate instructions to improve hygiene standards. The department warned that failure to comply could lead to stricter penalties in subsequent inspections.

Fines Imposed Under Consumer Protection Act

The enforcement drive was carried out under Sections 38 and 39 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2018, which empower the department to impose on-site penalties for violations related to consumer rights and public health.

According to the department’s public report, even well-known hotels were found to be negligent. Hotel Blissful Pvt Ltd, located in Koteshwor (Kathmandu Metropolitan City–32), was fined the highest amount—Rs 50,000—for multiple violations.

Indreni Food World and Banquet Pvt Ltd of Lalitpur was fined Rs 20,000, while Thakali Bhancha Ghar in Kathmandu–14 was penalized Rs 15,000. Several other establishments—including Matka Biryani (Gongabu), Pakshala Pvt Ltd (Kalimati), Lekali Kitchen and Kattiya House (Gairigaun), Om Aama’s Kitchen (Sinamangal), and Julie Cake and Pastry (Lalitpur)—were fined Rs 10,000 each.

Similarly, Fresh Top Quality Momo and Fast Food Center and I Café Restaurant in Gongabu, Chandeshwari Newari Khaja Ghar and Golmadevi Bhojanalaya in Koteshwor, and Jiri Khimti Hotel in Jadibuti were fined Rs 5,000 each.

More than 70 other firms were issued written warnings and instructed to immediately rectify shortcomings. Some businesses, including Hotel Kesar Pvt Ltd and Hotel Cozy Inn, have been given deadlines of three to seven days to appear at the department with complete documentation.

Serious Hygiene Lapses Found

The inspection team identified serious deficiencies in kitchen hygiene and waste management. Improper disposal of used disposable glasses, lack of handwashing facilities, and unsanitary food preparation environments were among the key concerns raised by inspectors.

Officials stressed that consumers have the right to know what they are eating and how much they are paying. “Operating a food business without registration and transparency is unacceptable,” Jha said, adding that consumer health cannot be compromised under any circumstances.

The department has announced follow-up inspections within the next two to three months. Businesses found repeating violations will face harsher penalties, including higher fines and possible closure.

Consumers have also been urged to remain vigilant by checking menu price lists, demanding bills, and immediately reporting cases of overcharging or unhygienic food practices to the department.