Maharashtra govt allows hotels, restaurants, bars to remain open till 4 a.m. for FIFA World Cup final

The Maharashtra government has allowed licensed hotels, restaurants and bars across the state to remain open till 4 am on Monday to facilitate the screening of the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, according to an official order.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the directive on Saturday, July 18, upon the request of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI, Mumbai), which wanted the working hours of accommodation establishments to be extended on the final night.

The order, issued under the Maharashtra Police Act, said the relaxation would apply only to the FIFA World Cup final and only to licensed hotels, restaurants and bars.

The government has instructed establishments to deploy adequate private security personnel to prevent traffic congestion and maintain law and order in and around their premises.

He warned that any untoward incident or violation of law would result in action being taken against the organization under relevant legal provisions.

The order also asked the establishments to comply with all license conditions and instructions issued by the Excise Department and local authorities. It was announced that the extended periods will not apply to establishments other than licensed hotels, restaurants and bars.

While regional administrations and police were instructed to strictly implement the order, all organizations were instructed to immediately stop their activities after 4 am.