Establishments selling or serving alcohol are excluded from the 24×7 category. Employees will be required to have a 24-hour break once a week. Instructions have been issued to the administration and police. This step is considered important in increasing business and flexibility in the state.
In a major decision, the Maharashtra government has allowed all shops and establishments in the state to remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week (24×7). However, shops that sell or serve alcohol—such as permit rooms, beer bars, and wine shops—are exempted from this rule.
The state’s Department of Industry, Energy, Labor, and Mining has issued a circular to effectively implement this decision. The government has clarified that most businesses can now remain open 24 hours a day, which is expected to give a new impetus to trade.
Previously, many businesses had complained that local administration and police officials were preventing them from operating their shops late at night or around the clock. Following this government order, such obstacles have now been resolved.
Employees’ Rights
The government has also clarified that any establishment will be allowed to operate 24×7 only if employees are given a mandatory 24-hour break once a week. This provision is mandatory under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, 2017.
Instructions to the Administration
The state government has formally notified the local administration and police departments to ensure proper enforcement of this rule. Previously, theaters and cinema halls were also included in the list of controlled hours, but they have now been excluded.
The government believes this move will boost business. It is expected to provide a boost to business activities, especially in metropolitan and industrial areas.