Maharashtra Govt. allows shops and establishments to operate 24×7

The Maharashtra government has issued a notification which allows shops and establishments to remain open 24×7 across the state. While the act will apply to hotels and restaurants, bars will continue to have restriction on timings. The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has welcomed the Government’s move and has stated that the decision will help popularize tourism in the State. Meanwhile, the Association has requested the Govt. to consider allowing bars, pubs and discotheques to operate at least until 3am, if not for the entire night.

“This is a welcome move and a sign of progress. The biggest benefit of this decision will be to employment and it holds the potential to increase employment opportunities by 25 per cent in the State. This is a definite boost to tourism and economy and will help the hospitality sector to emerge even stronger. Although, we would have wished for the act to be extended to bars too. HRAWI appeals to the Government to consider allowing bars operational at least up to 3am, if not 24×7,” says Dilip Datwani, President, HRAWI.

The HRAWI had recently submitted a letter to Satish Mathur, Director General of Police to provide police permission for extension of operation timings on 24th, 25th and 31st December. However, with the Act coming into effect, the hotel industry is hoping the Police Permissions come through too.

“While the Act will eventually change the dynamics of business and nightlife, for now we are hoping the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations go off smoothly as anticipated. We thank the Govt. of Maharashtra for making 24×7 operations possible in the State and take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year,” concludes Datwani.