The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has formally appealed to the Maharashtra government, led by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, seeking special permission for extended operating hours during the upcoming festive period. The association has requested that all food and beverage outlets holding excise licenses be allowed to remain open until at least 5:00 AM on the key dates of December 24, 25, and 31.
Seeking Festive Flexibility for Hospitality Sector
In an official statement, HRAWI emphasized the need for a "prompt and positive" response from the state authorities. This advance approval would enable hotels, restaurants, and pubs to adequately plan and organize their operations for what is considered the busiest time of the year for the industry. The request highlights a gap in the state's existing policy.
While a government circular from October 1, 2025, permits round-the-clock operations for hotels and restaurants across Maharashtra, this provision explicitly excludes establishments that serve alcohol. HRAWI's appeal specifically targets this exclusion, asking for a temporary relaxation for excise-licensed venues on the three festive nights.
Industry Cites Precedent and Promises Compliance
Jimmy Shaw, President of HRAWI, stated that the year-end festive season is critically important for tourism and hospitality. He argued that extending operating hours is a well-established precedent that allows for better crowd management and responsible planning.
"Extending operating hours recalls a well-established precedent and allows establishments to plan responsibly and manage crowds effectively," Shaw said. He assured the government that all member establishments would strictly adhere to safety, security, and regulatory norms if the extension is granted.
Contrast with Delhi's Recent Excise Revisions
In a related development highlighting different approaches to excise regulations during the festive period, the Delhi Government has announced significant relaxations for churches. The Finance Department has amended Rule 20 of the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010, to substantially increase the permitted storage limit for sacramental wine.
Previously, the Bishop of Delhi could procure only up to 91 litres of wine for religious ceremonies. Under the revised rule, the limit has been raised to 4,000 litres annually, which can be sourced duty-free from authorized distilleries across India with prior approval. An official clarified that this wine is used exclusively for Holy Communion during Sundays, Christmas, and Easter, and is not for sale.
Simultaneously, Delhi has also revised storage limits for special denatured spirit used for industrial purposes, as part of its ease-of-doing-business initiatives.
The contrasting moves by Maharashtra and Delhi set the stage for how different states balance regulatory control with the demands of the festive season and economic activity.
