10 licence-less commercial outlets sealed

The sealed establishments include juice shops, fancy stores and general outlets apart from the two hotels.

An official from the Greater Chennai Corporation said ample notice was given to these commercial enterprises. 

“These establishments are tenants of Hotel Imperial Plaza in Egmore. When we found that these establishments did not have a proper trade licence, we had given them enough time to apply for one. Failing this, a closure notice was sent 24 hours before these shops were sealed on the morning of October 19,” the official said.

As per the Chennai City Municipal Corporation Act, 1919, no place within the limits of Chennai Corporation shall be used for running trades, without a licence from the Corporation of Chennai. In addition, this licence must be renewed every financial year.

The Corporation has requested the trade associations to help deal with this malpractice.

“We have approached the trade associations to advise their members to obtain and renew the trade licences. But the response from traders has been lukewarm. If the associations are ready to cooperate, the local body can issue trade licences, after due procedure,” added the official.