Given that the State Government and the civic body has initiated a night curfew from 11 PM to 5 AM, hotels and restaurants in Mumbai have decided to ring in the New Year by 10:30 PM instead of midnight in adherence with the official guidelines put forth by the authorities.
Also read - On Day 1, Mumbai Police Reports Over 2000 Challans During Night Curfew
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Christmas and New Year celebrations would go on until 5 AM the next day. However, given the restrictions in place, the festivities are expected to be somewhat lukewarm this year.
President of the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR), Shivanand Shetty said that they are persuading the government to halt the night curfew until 1:30 AM. However, it’s unclear if the government will approve these requests.
Read - MNS Leader Sandeep Deshpande Criticizes CM's Decision On Night Curfew
A manager at a Lower Parel pub shared a similar concern. “Hardly any party goers will venture out to celebrate... We were counting on recovering some business on Christmas and New Year Eve. Now, even that prospect is gone,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) said, “With the post 11pm curfew in place, hotels and restaurants have decided to ring in the new year an hour and a half early.”
The President of the Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association, Viren Shah said that this night curfew will primarily impact restaurants, bars, malls, nightclubs, and so on that have taken prior reservations. “Shops too may have to shut down by 10pm,” he added.
Also read - Auto, Cars And Taxis Allowed To Operate In Night Curfew
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