HRAWI requests late night bar extension for FIFA World Cup Final in Maharashtra
The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) (HRAWI) has urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Maharashtra government to grant a one-time extension of operating hours for permit rooms and bars in licensed hotels and restaurants across the state, including Mumbai. The association has requested permission for these establishments to remain open until 3:30 a.m. on Monday, July 20, to allow football fans to watch the live telecast of the FIFA World Cup Final.
According to the association, licensed hotels and restaurants have already started receiving numerous enquiries from guests who want to watch the final match at their venues. The proposed extension is intended to accommodate local residents, domestic tourists, and international visitors expected to follow the global sporting event.
In a representation submitted to the state government, HRAWI argued that the extension would allow patrons to enjoy the match in a safe, regulated, and professionally managed environment. The association stated that this measure would encourage responsible celebrations at licensed establishments rather than unregulated venues, reflecting a progressive approach to tourism.
Jimmy Shaw, President of HRAWI, stated that the FIFA World Cup Final is a global spectacle that brings people together across borders. He noted that allowing the extension would support tourism and the hospitality sector while ensuring safety. The association also pointed out that the governments of Karnataka and Assam had previously granted similar one-time relaxations during World Cup finals while ensuring compliance with public safety and excise regulations.
HRAWI highlighted a disparity in current rules, noting that while several other business categories are now permitted to operate round the clock, existing restrictions prevent licensed bars from serving customers during late-night matches. Similar representations have also been submitted by the association to the governments of Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat.
Pradeep Shetty, Spokesperson for HRAWI, stated that the extension would generate additional business for licensed establishments and benefit allied sectors by boosting late-night dining, food and beverage sales, and tourism-related spending.
Shetty assured the state government that all participating member establishments would strictly adhere to licensing conditions, excise regulations, crowd management measures, public safety norms, noise regulations, and directions issued by the police and other authorities.
