Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has moved to remove ambiguity over business operating hours by confirming that all shops and commercial establishments in Mumbai, as well as in the entire state, except those dealing in liquor, may remain open 24 hours a day.
The clarification follows mounting complaints from traders, industry associations, and local representatives who claimed that district administrations and police officials were restricting business activity despite provisions in state law.
Legal backing for allowing 24-hour operations
The announcement rests on the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017. This legislation permits businesses to function every day of the week as long as workers are provided a full 24-hour period of rest once every seven days. The Act defines a “day” as a 24-hour cycle beginning at midnight, thereby allowing establishments outside the liquor sector to legally operate without interruption.
Movie theatres also permitted for 24/7 operations
Alcohol-serving venues, however, remain bound by restrictions already in force. Permit rooms, wine shops, beer bars, discotheques, dance bars and hookah parlours must continue to adhere to the fixed hours set under a December 2017 notification. While theatres and cinema halls were once subject to the same limitations, a separate order issued in 2020 exempted them from the restrictions.
Directives issued to state police, district administrations
In its latest directive, the state has instructed police authorities and district administrations to strictly observe these rules and ensure that businesses are not burdened with unwarranted curbs. Officials argue that greater clarity will prevent arbitrary enforcement, providing consistency across Maharashtra.
The decision is expected to have a tangible impact on the state’s commercial landscape, particularly in major cities such as Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur, where late-night economic activity is both strong and steadily growing. Extended hours are likely to enhance convenience for consumers, while offering traders and service providers an opportunity to increase footfall and revenue.