Mumbai/Pune: Nightlife across the state is set to receive a festive boost after the state home department granted special permission to hotels, clubs, permit rooms and beer bars to remain open until 5am and serve patrons on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.Under normal rules, these establishments are required to shut by 1.30am. The extended operating hours are aimed at easing crowd pressure and catering to the surge in celebrations and tourist footfall during the year-end season.
In a partial relaxation for retail liquor outlets, wine shops and country liquor bars have been allowed to operate till 1am, instead of their usual closing time of 10.30pm. However, the extension does not apply beyond that, and takeaway sale norms will continue unchanged.“We welcome the Maharashtra govt’s decision to relax closing hours and permit hotel and restaurant bars to operate until 5am on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The extended timings will help manage guest expectations, ensure smoother crowd dispersal, create additional employment opportunities and enhance the state’s appeal as a vibrant and safe tourism destination,” said Jimmy Shaw, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India), which represents over 2,000 star hotels and premium bars across the region.Officials said the relaxation is subject to strict compliance with law-and-order requirements, noise control regulations and safety guidelines. Police have been asked to intensify patrolling around nightlife hubs to curb drunk driving and maintain public order.Amit Kumar Sharma, past president, Poona Hoteliers Association, said: “We warmly welcome this move by the govt authorities. It reflects a balanced and well-considered approach towards the hospitality sector while maintaining law and order.”Hotel and restaurant owners, too, have welcomed the move and said the decision taken in advance does away with last-minute confusion.Vikram Shetty, director of Sadanand Resorts and Sadanand Regency, said the state home department’s circular allowing extended operating hours brings much-needed clarity. “We are happy that the authorities have issued this order in advance, as it helps reduce uncertainty. In the past, even when there was demand, the absence of clear permission often led to last-minute issues, with local law enforcement directing establishments to shut down despite preparations. This time, the clarity will allow hotels and clubs to plan events properly, deploy staff accordingly, and ensure compliance. It also creates transparency for both operators and the police, which is essential during high-footfall festive nights.”Abhishek Sahai, general manager, Conrad Pune, said, “The latest relaxation will encourage people to celebrate Christmas and New Year and will also be good for business. However, authorities must also ensure that people celebrating should not be troubled.”
