Maharashtra Extends New Year Celebration Hours for Hotels and Restaurants

New Year Celebrations Boosted in Maharashtra

The Maharashtra government has granted permission for hotels, restaurants, and orchestra bars to remain open until 5:00 AM on January 1, significantly enhancing New Year celebrations across the state. This decision applies to establishments holding excise licenses that serve alcohol, which were previously excluded from extended operating hours. The move comes in response to requests from the industry.

This exemption was granted following an application from the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) (HRAWI), which sought special permission for licensed establishments during the festive season at the year's end. Although a government circular issued on October 1, 2025, allows hotels and restaurants to operate 24 hours, bars serving alcohol were not included in this provision.

With the latest approval, licensed hotels and restaurant bars will now be permitted to stay open beyond their usual closing times on December 31, 2025.

Relief for the Hospitality Sector

This initiative is expected to provide clarity for hospitality operators, enabling them to better plan for staffing, security, and crowd control during one of the busiest nights of the year. Welcoming the decision, HRAWI President Jimmy Shaw emphasized the importance of the New Year period for the tourism and hospitality sectors. He noted that extended hours will assist establishments in responsibly managing crowds while adhering to all safety and legal standards.