Key Points:
- Hotels, restaurants, pubs, and bars can operate until 5 AM on January 1st
- Home Department issued standing order applicable to future special occasions
- Establishments must deploy private security guards inside and outside premises
- Noise pollution regulations remain unchanged despite extended hours
- Permission limited to enclosed premises, not open-air events
- Police instructed to maintain extra vigilance on New Year’s Eve
New Year’s celebrations in Maharashtra are set to continue longer this year as the state government has allowed hotels, restaurants, pubs, and bars to remain open until 5 AM on January 1st. This decision was taken in view of the New Year’s Eve festivities and aims to boost the hospitality sector during the peak celebration period.
According to government sources, the Home Department issued a standing order in this regard late Tuesday night. This order will allow establishments to operate until the specified time not only this year but also on special occasions like Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve in the future, eliminating the need for annual permission requests.
Industry’s Long-standing Demand
Officials said that hotel and restaurant associations had been demanding extended operating hours on these special occasions for a long time. Administrative delays in granting permission often led to confusion among business owners and customers alike. Now, with the standing order in place, there will be no need to seek separate approvals every year, streamlining the process for the hospitality industry.
The standing order represents a significant policy shift that addresses persistent grievances from the hospitality sector about bureaucratic hurdles. Industry leaders have welcomed the move, stating that it provides much-needed clarity and allows them to plan their operations and staffing more effectively for major celebrations.
Strict Security Conditions Attached
However, the permission for late-night operations has been granted subject to strict conditions. According to the order, establishment owners will have to deploy private security guards inside and outside their premises to ensure safety and order. The licensee or owner will be directly responsible for any law and order incidents that occur during the extended hours.
The Home Department, headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has emphasized that security arrangements must be comprehensive and visible. Establishments failing to comply with these conditions may face penalties or revocation of their extended hours permission, making compliance mandatory rather than optional.
Noise Regulations and Venue Limitations
The government has clarified that the extended hours do not grant any relaxation in noise pollution regulations. The directives of the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court regarding loud music and sound systems will remain in effect, ensuring that celebrations do not disturb residential areas.
This permission is limited to enclosed premises (indoor venues) only. This order will not apply to open grounds or open-air events, which must still adhere to regular closing times. The distinction aims to balance the hospitality industry’s needs with public order considerations and neighborhood peace.
Enhanced Police Vigilance for Safety
The Home Department has also instructed the police to maintain extra vigilance and strictly enforce law and order on New Year’s Eve. With these new rules, New Year’s celebrations in Maharashtra will be held in a safe and controlled environment until late into the night this year. Police forces across the state have been asked to increase patrolling around hospitality venues and ensure compliance with all safety and noise regulations.
Law enforcement agencies have been directed to coordinate with establishment owners to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure that celebrations remain peaceful and orderly throughout the extended hours. This collaborative approach aims to create a secure environment for both revelers and local residents.
