HRAWI requests for extension of timings for bars, discotheques

The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) today urged the state government to allow bars and pubs to operate at least until 3 am.
The request by HRAWI comes in the backdrop of Maharashtra government's decision to allow eateries to operate for 24 hours.
"For several years now, we have been asking the government to extend the closing hours of restaurants and revive the night life in Mumbai.
"This move will allow people to step out for a cup of coffee, a dessert or even a post-midnight snack without having to think twice. Other than this, the decision will also encourage tourism related activities in the state and especially in Mumbai," HRAWI President Dilip Datwani said in a release issued here.

However, he said, the government should reconsider allowing bars and discos to remain open till 3am, which have been left out of the ambit of the new 24 hour rule.
Maharashtra Government passed a bill in the state assembly last week, which will allow around one lakh registered restaurants to remain open for 24 hours.

It would also allow malls, restaurants, multiplexes and other retail establishments to remain open 24X7.
However, it does not apply to bars, pubs or discotheques.
While Maharashtra has taken the lead in passing the bill, the HRAWI hoped that the adjoining states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat and the union territories of Daman, Diu and Silvassa too will amend their law soon.

"There are over one lakh restaurants in the state and even if restaurants in the tourism hotspots decide to operate 24X7, then it could easily create additional employment opportunities for at least two lakh people," Datwani added.