Maharashtra Formalizes 5 A.M. Closing for New Year’s and Christmas at Indoor Bars and Eateries

Overview

• A Government Resolution dated December 30 permits restaurants, hotels, orchestra bars and pubs to operate until 5 a.m. on December 31, with a permanent allowance reported for December 24, 25 and 31 in future years.
• Licensees must deploy adequate private security inside and outside their premises, with owners held responsible for any untoward incidents on or around the venue.
• The relaxation covers only the use of premises, as all noise-pollution rules and Supreme Court and Bombay High Court directives on sound systems remain in force.
• Only enclosed locations are eligible for the time extension, excluding open-air or open-space venues.
• Police have been directed to maintain public order during the extended hours, with the state citing the need to avoid delays from last-minute permission requests.