FHRAI and CIRC sign MoU to strengthen legal and compliance capacity across hospitality sector
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The eight-week course includes topics like licensing, contract law, labour regulations, intellectual property, taxation, and dispute resolution.
In a strategic move to address the growing need for legal awareness and regulatory compliance in India’s hospitality sector, the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CUTS Institute for Regulation and Competition (CIRC). The initiative aims to bridge the critical gap between hospitality laws and industry practice, particularly affecting startups.
"It is important to bridge the gaps between hospitality law and practice, as regulatory uncertainty and overlaps create hurdles for the industry." said K. Shyama Raju, President of FHRAI.
Raju, added, “Today, understanding of the law is not just an advantage—it is a necessity in the hospitality industry. With laws constantly evolving, compliance demands growing, and customers expecting more, it’s crucial for hospitality professionals to understand the legal systems that impact their day-to-day work. Therefore, Federation of Hotel and Restaurants Association of India (FHRAI) is proud to collaborate with CIRC on the ‘Navigating the Legal Landscape of Hospitality’ course. It is a timely and much-needed initiative that will help professionals gain the legal know-how to run their businesses more responsibly and efficiently.
Spanning eight weeks, the course is designed to benefit a diverse audience— hoteliers, restaurant owners, HR professionals, legal advisors, entrepreneurs, and even hospitality students. It covers essential topics like licensing, contract law, labour regulations, intellectual property, taxation, and dispute resolution.
Pradeep Mehta, Chairman, CUTS Institute for Regulation & Competition (CIRC) commented, “With years of experience in public policy, I have seen a critical gap in legal knowledge within the hospitality industry. This shortfall often leads to unintentional consumer rights violations and regulatory missteps. Strengthening legal awareness among hospitality professionals is essential to uphold consumer protection, ensure compliance, and foster trust in an increasingly regulated service landscape. A comprehensive capacity-building programme will help individuals and the industry navigate these challenges more effectively.”
Mehta added, “To unlock the full potential of the sector, a more streamlined regulatory environment and greater support for sustainability compliance are essential. Equally important is creating widespread awareness of compliance requirements across the hospitality industry. When businesses are well-informed, they can plan proactively, avoid penalties, build investor confidence, and align better with global standards—paving the way for sustainable, long-term growth.”
Explaining the importance of the course, Raju added, “What really sets this course apart is its focus on real-world application. With weekend live sessions, industry experts as instructors, and case-based learning, participants don’t just learn theory—they gain insights they can use immediately. It empowers them to spot legal risks early, make smarter decisions, and better safeguard their businesses.”