mumbai

Updated: Dec 22, 2017 15:27 IST

Partygoers in Mumbai can rejoice: the Maharashtra government has permitted hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars and lounges to stay open and serve alcohol till 5am on three days – December 24, 25 and 31.

The notification, issued on Thursday, also allows wine shops to operate till 1am. Rules have been relaxed so Mumbaiites can enjoy Christmas and New Year celebrations and parties, the order said.

Now, the police department has to endorse the government’s decision, expected to be a formality.

The Indian Hotels and Restaurants Association (AHAR) has welcomed the move. “People party through the night, and we also have tourists coming in Mumbai in large numbers, so this is good,” said Arvind Shetty, advisor, AHAR.

The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has already written to the Director General of Police Satish Mathur for permission to extend the timings on these three days. “For several years now, police permission has been coming at the last minute, which does not give hoteliers and restaurateurs sufficient time to make adequate arrangements. As a result, neither establishments nor patrons are able to make the best of these festive days,” said Dilip Datwani, president, HRAWI. “This year, we hope it will be different.”

The excise department said these three days are money-spinners for them because of high sale of alcohol. “We gain a lot by means of taxes and one-day permits,” said an officer who did not wish to be named.