- By Chetna Shree
- Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:17 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Maharashtra: The Maharashtra government has announced that shops, hotels, restaurants and other establishments, excluding liquor shops and supply outlets, will now be permitted to operate round the clock across Maharashtra. This move aims at boosting the state’s economy and easing restrictions on commercial activity.
In a fresh circular issued by the Industries Department on Wednesday, the Maharashtra government clarified its stance following repeated complaints from businesses about police and local authorities hindering all-night operations.
Restrictions On 24/7 Operations Despite Official Permission
- The circular observed that many establishments, excluding liquor outlets, continued to face unnecessary restrictions despite having legal permission to operate 24 hours a day.
- Several traders and associations had raised concerns about the local administration and police taking action against shops, malls and commercial establishments for operating beyond set hours.
Maharashtra Govt Allows Establishments To Operate 24x7
- In response, the Maharashtra government reaffirmed that under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017, establishments, excluding those involved in the sale of liquor, are allowed to operate without timing restrictions.
- The law empowers the state to define and regulate operating hours for various categories of establishments.
- The latest circular has now reiterated that liquor-serving venues and alcohol retail outlets must adhere to fixed operating hours.
- On the other hand, all other commercial establishments, including malls, shops, retail outlets, and service providers, are legally permitted to operate 24/7 under the existing law.
Maharashtra Govt Mandates 24-Hour Break For Employees
The circular by the Industries Department further emphasised safeguarding the workers’ rights. According to the fresh circular, every employee must be granted a continuous 24-hour break each week, ensuring that flexible operating hours for establishments do not come at the cost of staff welfare.
ALSO READ: Hurun Rich List India 2025: List Of 50 Richest Indian And Their Net Worth
The law defines a business day as a 24-hour period starting at midnight, a standard that enforcement agencies are expected to follow while implementing the circular.