Maharashtra Unleashed: Shops Now Open Round the Clock, Liquor Outlaws Left in the Dark

Image Source: The Times of India

The Maharashtra government has delivered a game-changing directive allowing most shops and commercial establishments across the state to operate round the clock, eliminating previous time restrictions. This move comes after persistent complaints from traders and business bodies that local authorities and police were preventing 24/7 operations despite legal provisions. However, businesses serving or selling alcohol remain an exception and must continue adhering to fixed timing regulations.

Key Highlights of the New Directive

24/7 Operations Now Allowed
- All shops, malls, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, and other commercial establishments can remain open 24 hours a day without any time limits.
- This expanded operational freedom is expected to boost business activity and better serve consumers with more flexible options for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Major Exclusion: Alcohol-Related Businesses
- Bars, wine shops, permit rooms, beer bars, hookah parlors, and similar establishments are explicitly excluded and must follow existing restricted operating hours.
- This exception ensures compliance with public safety and regulatory frameworks around alcohol sales.
Mandatory Weekly Employee Rest
- Businesses opting for 24/7 operation must provide each employee a continuous 24-hour weekly rest period to protect workers’ welfare.
- This requirement aligns with the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, 2017, balancing operational flexibility with labor rights.
Clarifications to Local Authorities
- The Industries, Energy, Labour and Mining Department issued a circular directing police and administrative officials to facilitate smooth enforcement of these changes.
- It emphasizes that non-liquor businesses should not face hindrance in round-the-clock functioning.
Implications for Maharashtra’s Urban Economy
- The move is poised to invigorate nightlife, commerce, and entertainment hubs in cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.
- Late-night retail, dining, and service sectors stand to benefit significantly, catering to growing consumer demand beyond traditional business hours.