The Maharashtra government has decided to allow hotels, restaurants, eateries and orchestra bars to remain open until 5 AM on the night of December 31-January 1, keeping in view of New Year.
The home department issued a "permanent" order on Tuesday night, permitting extended hours to the entertainment and hospitality venues.
While the establishments will be allowed to stay open till 5 am on the specified nights, they will also have to follow specific terms and conditions, the official said. These include, establishment owners will arrange private security guards inside and outside their premises to avoid law and order issues. In case of any such problem, the owner or licence holder will be held responsible.
As per the order, the time extension applies to establishments operating from building premises and enclosed places. It is not applicable to open venues, said the official.
The decision applies to establishments that hold excise licences and serve liquor, which were earlier excluded from extended operating hours.
The relaxation comes after a representation by the Hotel and Restaurant Association Western India (HRAWI), which had requested special permission for excise-licensed outlets during the year-end festive period. Although a government circular issued on October 1, 2025, allows hotels and restaurants to operate 24 hours a day, bars serving alcohol were not covered under that rule.
In addition to this, several other arrangements are also in place for safe, orderly celebrations, and manage crowds.
Here's All You Need To Know:
- Western and Central Railway announces late night special trains for convenience of the commuters.
- BEST buses will also offer extended services throughout the night.
- The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) will run extended services all night on Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line). Night Services: 10:30 PM onwards till 5:55 AM. Regular Services Resume: 5:55 AM on 1st January 2026
- Metro 2A, 7 services will run well past midnight. The last train from Andheri West and Gundavali station will depart at 1:00 am instead of the usual 11:00 pm. Moreover, 16 late-night services have been added with trains every 15 minutes.
- Ahead of New Year's Eve, the Mumbai police conducted surprise raids and checks to maintain drug-free celebrations.