At a cabinet meeting last week, state tourism minister Aaditya Thackeray announced that the proposal to keep shops, multiplexes and restaurants in Mumbai open round the clock has been approved by the Maharashtra Cabinet. This laid the road for fulfilling his long cherished plan, Mumbai open 24x7, starting January 27.

In a pilot move, or what is being called Phase 1, the policy will apply to willing establishments housed inside gated properties with CCTV surveillance facilities, adequate security personnel and parking, away from residential areas. Thackeray has pitched this as an opportunity to increase jobs in the service sector, and additional revenue generation. Standalone retail and food-drink establishments will not be part of the pilot, and no eatery or bar irrespective of its location can serve alcohol after 1.30 am. Any restaurant within gated properties with all licenses in place can remain operational 24x7 without the need to take additional permission or licenses from the authorities.