Maharashtra allows shops to operate 24/7, bars and liquor shops excluded

The industries department issued the directive after complaints that local authorities were wrongly restricting non-liquor businesses. Representational Pic

The Maharashtra government has confirmed that all shops and commercial establishments, except those selling or serving liquor, can now operate 24/7 across the state. The decision aims to prevent confusion among local authorities and traders following reports that some were being restricted from staying open late.

According to the reports, the state's industries department issued the directive after receiving complaints from business owners, people's representatives, and trade associations that local authorities and police were enforcing unwarranted curbs on non-liquor businesses.

Citing the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017, the government clarified that under Section 16(1)(b), shops may remain open on all days of the week, provided every employee gets a continuous 24-hour weekly rest period. The Act defines a "day" as 24 hours beginning at midnight.

However, liquor-related establishments such as bars, permit rooms, hookah parlours, discotheques, wine shops, and dance bars must continue to follow the operating hours set under the state's December 19, 2017, notification.

While theatres and cinemas were initially under time restrictions, those were lifted via a separate notification issued on January 31, 2020.

As per the reports, the government has now instructed district officials and police not to interfere with legally compliant 24/7 operations of eligible establishments. The move is expected to boost Maharashtra's night-time economy, especially in cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, where there is strong demand for late-night services, retail, and dining.