Clubs can stay open till 5 am, liquor shops till 1:30 am on Christmas & New Years
Representational Image. Courtesy: dontgetserious.com
In a good news for revelers, the Maharashtra Government has allowed clubs to stay open till 5 am and liquor shops to stay open till 1:30 am on the occassion of Christmas and New Years.
According to an official notification, the state government has permitted the following deadlines:
* Beer bars, permit rooms and clubs: 5 am
* Liquor shops selling Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL): 1:30 am
* Beer shops: 1 am
* Country liquor shops: 1 am
The deadlines will be applicable on December 24, 25 and 31.
A senior police official has also stated that there will be a strict checking of the liquor permit licence on these days.
Meanwhile, following the recent Supreme Court order which banned liquor shops and bars within 500 metres of state and national highways, the government has decided not to issue a FL-4 licence to establishments within the perimeter.
Bars and pubs typically apply for the FL-4, which acts as a one-day party license, for Christmas and New Year. The decision to not grant the license has been taken in a bid to reduce drunk driving cases.
According to an ET report, the hotel industry is “gearing itself for one of the weakest Christmas and New Year celebrations since 2008” following the demonetisation of high value currency last month.
While the year end period is typically one of the busiest for hotels and banquets, the industry has witnessed fewer bookings and high cancellations this time around.
