The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has introduced a new trade licensing regime that allows food-related businesses to obtain permits in non-conforming areas, raising significant safety concerns among experts and former municipal officials. Critics argue that the policy undermines the Master Plan for Delhi (MPD) and shifts the burden of safety compliance onto business owners, reducing regulatory scrutiny. This comes in the wake of a recent fire incident in Hauz Rani, where a restaurant operated under a tea-and-snacks license, highlighting potential misuse of licenses. The new system allows 67 categories of food trades to secure deemed health trade licenses based on Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certification without submitting previously required documents. Anil Gupta, a former chief law officer, warns that such deregulation could lead to increased risks in areas lacking proper infrastructure for commercial activities. Urban planning expert Jagdish Mamgain advocates for reforms that strengthen safety standards, arguing that the ease of doing business should not compromise public safety. While MCD officials defend the changes as a means to regulate previously unlicensed establishments, concerns about inadequate safety inspections remain prevalent.