The Maharashtra government has officially allowed shops and commercial establishments to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The only exception applies to businesses that serve or sell alcohol.
The Industries, Energy, Labour and Mining Department issued a circular on Wednesday to ensure that local authorities and police do not stop businesses from functioning round the clock.
Shops, Theatres and Restaurants can operate anytime
Under the new directive, shops, malls, restaurants, theatres, and cinemas can stay open without time restrictions. The order comes after multiple complaints from traders that local administrations were preventing them from running 24/7 despite clear provisions in the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017.
The government clarified that establishments such as beer bars, wine shops, hookah parlors, and permit rooms cannot function 24/7.
Weekly off made mandatory for employees
While businesses can keep their doors open at all times, the government has made it mandatory to provide employees a weekly holiday of 24 consecutive hours. This rule, part of the 2017 Act, ensures that the new round-the-clock model does not compromise workers’ rights.
Authorities and police have been directed to enforce both — the exemption for liquor-related outlets and the weekly rest rule for employees.
What this means for businesses in Mumbai
The move is expected to benefit traders, retailers, restaurants, and entertainment hubs that depend on late-night and early-morning footfall. By extending operations, businesses can tap into new demand, while consumers get more flexibility.
The clarification also ends confusion at the local level, making it easier for businesses to plan operations with certainty.
The only exception applies to businesses that serve or sell alcohol.
The Industries, Energy, Labour and Mining Department issued a circular on Wednesday to ensure that local authorities and police do not stop businesses from functioning round the clock.
Shops, Theatres and Restaurants can operate anytime
Under the new directive, shops, malls, restaurants, theatres, and cinemas can stay open without time restrictions. The order comes after multiple complaints from traders that local administrations were preventing them from running 24/7 despite clear provisions in the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017.
The government clarified that establishments such as beer bars, wine shops, hookah parlors, and permit rooms cannot function 24/7.
Weekly off made mandatory for employees
While businesses can keep their doors open at all times, the government has made it mandatory to provide employees a weekly holiday of 24 consecutive hours. This rule, part of the 2017 Act, ensures that the new round-the-clock model does not compromise workers’ rights.
Authorities and police have been directed to enforce both — the exemption for liquor-related outlets and the weekly rest rule for employees.
What this means for businesses in Mumbai
The move is expected to benefit traders, retailers, restaurants, and entertainment hubs that depend on late-night and early-morning footfall. By extending operations, businesses can tap into new demand, while consumers get more flexibility.
The clarification also ends confusion at the local level, making it easier for businesses to plan operations with certainty.
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