Mumbai's nightlife may be impacted by exceptions, but it can remain open around-the-clock

Although Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra can now remain open for business all night, nightlife may be impacted by certain exclusions. The Industries, Energy, Labour and Mining Department of the Maharashtra government has released a circular permitting theaters, movie theaters, multiplexes, dining establishments, retail stores, shopping centers, and service enterprises to operate around the clock as long as they abide by labor regulations.

The Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017 already stated that "other shops and establishments can remain open 24X7…provided every worker shall be allowed a weekly holiday of at least 24 consecutive hours of rest." This is an addition to that law.

Establishments that provide or sell alcohol are the only obvious exception to the 24X7 rule. Licenses for permit rooms, wine shops, beer bars, hookah parlors, discotheques, and similar establishments are still time-limited and cannot be open 24/7.