Partygoers can now stay out until 5am on Christmas as well as New Year’s Day. The state home department has directed the state excise department to grant permission to hotels and restaurants across the city to stay open until that time.

The circular was issued recently by the deputy secretary, home department to the state excise department. Subsequently it was submitted to the Bombay high court during the hearing of a petition filed by the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association. The latter has sought a directive that will allow its members to continue business till 5am, on December 25 and January 1.

Appearing for the association, advocate Veena Thadani submitted the circular to the court. Thadani said, “In the wake of this circular, nothing remains to be done, as the state government has given permission.”

The division bench comprising justice PB Majumdar and justice MR Bhatkar accordingly disposed of the petition, stating that nothing was lacking in the petition, as the state had been considerate enough. Thadani said, “This circular is not limited to the hotels and restaurants under the association’s umbrella, but applies to all operating in the city. This festive season is a great time for business, and the state should not limit working hours to 1.30am, which is the upper limit granted otherwise.”

The petition asked the court to direct the authorities, who enforce time limits, not to restrain the association members in terms of deadlines.

However, while disposing of the petition, the bench remarked, “People expect so much from the court. We cannot help run a hotel; it is at the administration’s discretion.”