Commercial events banned at marriage halls, star hotel venues in Erode

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District Collector S. Kandasamy has directed owners of marriage halls and star hotel venues in the district not to permit commercial events, including garment sales, seasonal sales, food festivals and trade exhibitions, without approval.

The direction follows complaints from local traders that such events at marriage halls and hotel venues were affecting their business and resulting in loss of tax revenue to the government and local bodies.

In a press release, the District Collector said only permitted activities such as marriages, functions and meetings should be conducted at marriage halls and star hotel venues. Commercial garment sales, including seasonal sales, would not be permitted, he said.

Citing orders of the Madras High Court, Mr. Kandasamy said buildings licensed under the Tamil Nadu Public Buildings (Licensing) Act, 1965, should be used only for the purpose for which the licence had been granted. Unauthorised events would attract action under Section 10(1) of the Act, he said.

The Erode District All Industries and Trade Associations’ Federation had submitted a petition seeking a ban on unauthorised commercial events at such venues. It had alleged that vendors conducting seasonal sales often failed to comply with GST registration and tax payment requirements, causing revenue loss to the government and local traders.

Mr. Kandasamy said garment sale exhibitions would be completely prohibited at marriage halls and star hotel venues. Other exhibitions and trade fairs could be held only with prior permission from the district administration and in accordance with the licensing conditions.

He also directed owners of such venues not to permit food festivals, seasonal sales, trade exhibitions with entertainment facilities, play areas or other exhibitions without the required approval. Officials of the departments concerned had been instructed to monitor the venues and take action against violators in accordance with the law, he said.

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