As Mumbai gears up for vibrant New Year's Eve festivities, the hospitality industry's apex body has issued a stringent set of guidelines to ensure safety takes centre stage. The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) has rolled out a detailed advisory for all its member establishments, mandating a crackdown on irresponsible alcohol service and promoting safe celebrations across the city.
Core Mandates: No Alcohol for Minors or Intoxicated Guests
The advisory, which comes into immediate effect, places responsible bartending at its core. It lays down unambiguous instructions that alcohol must not be served under any circumstances to two key groups: minors and patrons who are already visibly intoxicated. The HRAWI has asked hotels, restaurants, and bars to sensitise their staff rigorously, training them to recognise signs of over-consumption and to verify age identification documents stringently.
Mr Jimmy Shaw, President of HRAWI, emphasised the sector's heightened responsibility during celebrations. "New Year celebrations are a time of joy, but they also come with a heightened responsibility for all of us in the hospitality sector," Shaw stated. "This advisory is about putting safety, responsibility and compliance at the centre of celebrations, so that guests can enjoy themselves while establishments operate in a lawful and conscientious manner."
Ensuring Safe Departures and Guest Awareness
Beyond the bar counter, the advisory extends its focus to the safe departure of guests. It outlines strict valet parking and safe departure protocols. Valet staff have been instructed to exercise discretion and are advised against handing over vehicles to guests who may be unfit to drive. Establishments are to actively encourage guests to use alternative travel options like chauffeurs, taxis, app-based cabs, or designated drivers.
Furthermore, the association has mandated members to increase on-premise awareness. This includes:
- Prominently displaying "Drink Responsibly" and "Don't Drink and Drive" messages.
- Issuing polite verbal reminders about safe travel options to guests as closing hours approach.
- Ensuring proper documentation and trained personnel are in place for valet services.
Accountability and Coordination with Authorities
The HRAWI has made management teams personally accountable for the implementation of these measures. They are required to brief all operational staff—including bar attendants, security personnel, and valet teams—and ensure strict adherence to the protocols.
The advisory also calls for close coordination with local police and enforcement agencies. Members have been directed to extend full cooperation to authorities and to report any untoward incidents immediately. This collaborative approach aims to maintain public order and ensure that the celebrations remain enjoyable for guests, staff, and the wider community of Mumbai.
With heightened footfalls expected across the city's nightlife hubs on Wednesday, this proactive advisory seeks to balance festive revelry with civic responsibility, setting a standard for safe and lawful year-end celebrations.
