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HRAWI plea for extending operating hours
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Monday, 20 July, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI has submitted representations to Chief Minister of Maharashtra - Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Goa – Dr Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh – Dr Mohan Yadav and Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh – Vishnu Deo Sai, requesting a one-time extension of the permitted operating hours for permit rooms and bars functioning within licenced hotels and restaurants in the States.
The association has also submitted a representation to the Chief Minister of Gujarat - Bhupendra Patel, seeking a one-time extension of operating hours for licenced restaurants and hospitality establishments in the State. It has urged the Governments to allow these establishments to remain operational until 3:30 am on July 20, 2026, to facilitate the live telecast of the FIFA World Cup Final.
Jimmy Shaw, president, HRAWI, said, “The FIFA World Cup Final is a truly global sporting spectacle that brings people together across cultures and borders. Allowing a one-time extension of operating hours for licensed hotels and restaurants will enable patrons to enjoy the match in a safe, regulated and professionally managed environment while also supporting tourism and the hospitality sector. Such a measure would encourage responsible celebrations at licensed establishments rather than unregulated venues and reflect the western region’s progressive approach towards promoting international sporting events and tourism."
HRAWI has pointed out that the Governments of Karnataka and Assam have already granted similar one-time relaxations for licensed hospitality establishments during the FIFA World Cup Final, while ensuring strict adherence to public safety, law and order, excise regulations and licensing conditions. The Association has appealed to the Governments across the western region to adopt a similar approach in the interest of tourism, hospitality and responsible public viewing.
“While several categories of businesses are now permitted to operate round the clock in certain States, the existing restrictions on operating hours for licensed hospitality establishments prevent us from serving patrons for the duration of the match. The extension would not only generate additional business for licensed hotels and restaurants but also benefit allied sectors by boosting late night dining, food and beverage sales and tourism related spending. It would also provide visitors with safe and supervised venues to enjoy the event, thereby supporting responsible hospitality practices,” adds Pradeep Shetty, spokesperson, HRAWI.
HRAWI has assured the Governments that all participating member establishments will strictly comply with all applicable licensing conditions, excise regulations, public safety measures, crowd management protocols, noise control norms and directions issued by the Police, State Excise Departments and other competent authorities.
“Our member establishments have consistently demonstrated their commitment to responsible operations and full regulatory compliance during special occasions and major public events. We are confident that, if approved, this one-time extension can be implemented seamlessly while maintaining the highest standards of public safety, discipline and guest management. We sincerely hope the Governments will favourably consider our request and extend this support to the region’s hospitality industry and the thousands of football enthusiasts eager to experience the final responsibly,” concludes Shetty.
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