The Maharashtra government has officially permitted all shops and establishments, except those that sell or serve alcohol, to operate 24 hours a day.
This announcement was made through a circular issued by the Industries, Energy, Labour, and Mining Department to ensure smooth and consistent implementation of the decision.
Maharashtra Allows Shops and Establishments to Operate 24/7, Except Those Serving Alcohol
The move follows several complaints from business owners who claimed that local authorities and police were not allowing them to stay open 24/7 despite existing legal provisions.
The government emphasized the strict enforcement of the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, 2017, which already allows most businesses to operate round the clock.
According to the official order, “Maharashtra government has ordered strict enforcement of the 2017 Shops and Establishments Act, allowing most establishments to stay open 24/7 while ensuring employees get a weekly 24-hour holiday. Alcohol-serving outlets like bars and hookah parlors cannot remain open 24 hours. Local authorities and police will enforce the rules.”
Businesses opting to remain open throughout the day and night must comply with a mandatory requirement to provide every employee with a continuous 24-hour weekly break.
The rule regarding employee rest days is an integral part of the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, 2017, designed to protect workers’ rights and prevent overwork.
The new rule applies to all types of commercial establishments, including retail stores, service outlets, and entertainment venues such as theatres and cinemas.
However, establishments that serve or sell alcoholic beverages—such as permit rooms, beer bars, wine shops, and hookah parlors—are not allowed to operate 24/7 under this order.
The government has directed local authorities and the police to strictly monitor and enforce these rules, ensuring that businesses follow both the extended operation permissions and the employee welfare provisions.
Private Employees In Mumbai, Pune Will Work For 12 Hours, Get Double Overtime
The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved significant amendments to the Factories Act, 1948 and the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, 2017, increasing daily working hours in private establishments and factories. The move is aimed at aligning with international labor practices, boosting ease of doing business, and offering industries greater flexibility during high-demand periods.
