31 December,2025 08:16 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image. Pic/Pixabay
Maharashtra Home Department on Tuesday issued a Government Resolution (GR) allowing restaurants, hotels, and orchestra bars across the state to remain open until 5:00 AM for the New Year 2026, reported news agency IANS.
The government resolution, dated December 30, 2025, aims to streamline the annual permission process and accommodate the high demand during the year-end holiday season, reported IANS.
According to the resolution, the relaxation of operating hours applies to December 31 (New Year's Eve). On these days, establishments are permitted to continue operations until 5:00 AM the following morning, reported IANS.
The government noted that the resolution was issued to avoid administrative delays caused by late applications from various organisations each year.
While the hours have been extended, the state has imposed strict conditions to ensure public safety and order.
According to the government resolution, the establishment owners must deploy adequate private security guards both inside and outside their premises to prevent any law and order issues, reported IANS.
The primary responsibility for any untoward incidents or crimes occurring within or around the premises rests solely with the owner/licensee holder. Despite the time extension, all establishments must strictly adhere to noise pollution laws and Supreme/High Court guidelines regarding the use of loudspeakers and sound systems.
This permission is strictly applicable to indoor/enclosed establishments only. Open-air venues or businesses operating in open spaces are not granted this extension.
The police administration has been directed to take necessary precautions to maintain public peace and security during these extended hours.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai police have deployed more than 17,000 personnel as part of elaborate security arrangements to maintain law and order during the New Year 2026 celebrations, an official said on Tuesday.
Large gatherings are expected at prominent places in the city, including the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Girgaon Chowpatty, Bandra Bandstand, Juhu and Versova beaches starting Wednesday evening. The celebrations at various hotels, restaurants and malls are likely to continue till the wee hours of Thursday.
In view of the celebrations, the police have made arrangements for a strict vigil to avoid any untoward incident in the city, the official said.
Nakabandi (police checkposts) will be set up at key locations, important roads, and patrolling on streets will be intensified, he said.
"The Mumbai police, along with the traffic wing, have deployed a massive security force comprising 10 Additional Commissioners of Police, 38 Deputy Commissioners of Police, 61 Assistant Commissioners of Police, 2,790 police officers and 14,200 police personnel," the official said.
(With inputs from IANS and PTI)
