Government Considers Restaurant Grading System to Regulate Food Prices
The government is considering the implementation of a restaurant grading system to address concerns about restaurants arbitrarily raising food prices. The proposed bill is scheduled for presentation in the legislative assembly during the November session. This decision was made in response to a request from the consumer department.
Under this system, restaurants will be categorized into A, B, and C grades based on their facilities and standards. A-grade establishments will typically have higher prices, while C-grade places will offer more affordable options. These grades must be prominently displayed on signs outside the restaurants.
Currently, existing laws do not allow for the regulation of food prices in restaurants. The introduction of the grading system is intended to address this issue. However, small street eateries, including “Thattukada,” will not be subject to this grading system.
In 2022, Alappuzha MLA P P Chitharanjan raised a controversy when he received an exorbitant bill for a simple breakfast of appam and egg curry from a hotel in Alappuzha. This incident shed light on the lack of regulations and the arbitrary price hikes in hotels. At that time, no action could be taken against the hotel because the law permitted them to set their prices as they saw fit.
Price increases have been observed in meat and fish dishes, with items like a three-piece chicken curry seeing a price hike from Rs 160 to Rs 220. Fish dishes have fluctuating prices, and even though Onam has passed and prices of goods and chicken have decreased, many restaurants in the state continue to charge higher rates.
Current price ranges include:
- Meals: Rs 70 – 160
- Biryani: Rs 180 – 300
- Chicken Fry: Rs 250 – 300
- Chilli Chicken: Rs 230 – 295
- Beef Fry: Rs 100 – 150
