The 75-year-old  Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) or HRAWI has welcomed the state government’s decision permitting shops, hotels, restaurants, and other establishments across Maharashtra to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The decision, announced via a circular dated October 1, is what they call a “landmark development”.

“This decision empowers businesses with greater operational flexibility while directly benefiting local communities through job creation. It is a reform that recognises the needs of the industry and will have far-reaching positive implications. This step is especially pertinent to Mumbai’s aspiration of becoming a truly global city and perfectly complements the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047,” said Jimmy Shaw, president, HRAWI.