📌 Introduction

In a significant move, the Government of Maharashtra has clarified that shops and restaurants can now remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017.

This update brings Mumbai and other major cities in Maharashtra in line with the global trend of building a “night economy”, encouraging employment opportunities, boosting tourism, and offering more convenience to consumers. However, for employers, this also means stricter compliance obligations under labour laws.

🔑 Key Highlights of the Government Clarification

• ✅ 24×7 Operations Permitted: Shops and restaurants can function without restrictions on timing.
• ❌ Exception: Only outlets serving liquor remain excluded.
• ✅ Business Advantage: Retailers, hoteliers, and restaurants gain operational flexibility, creating scope for higher revenues and more employment.
• ✅ Industry Welcome: Associations such as the Retailers Association of India and the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India have welcomed this clarification.

⚖️ Employer Compliance Obligations under the 2017 Act

While the permission for 24×7 shops in Maharashtra is progressive, businesses must ensure strict adherence to compliance norms:

1. Duty Hours & Weekly Offs

• Employees must not be made to work beyond prescribed duty hours.
• Weekly holidays are mandatory, and overtime must be paid as per law.

2. Wages & Record Maintenance

• Timely payment of wages as per the Payment of Wages Act.
• Proper registers for attendance, overtime, salary, and leave must be maintained and produced during inspections.

3. Women Employees & Night Shifts

• Safety and transport arrangements must be ensured for women working at night.
• Prior intimation and approval may be required from the Labour Department or DISH when employing women beyond permissible hours.

4. Health & Safety Measures

• Fire safety, first aid, and sanitation facilities must be in place.
• Coordination with civic authorities is critical for garbage disposal, late-night cleanliness, and emergency management.

⚠️ Practical Challenges Ahead

Even though the law permits round-the-clock functioning, practical challenges continue:

• Police authorities may still insist on early closure citing law-and-order concerns 🚔.
• Civic challenges such as waste management 🚮 and fire safety 🔥 need strict monitoring.
• Ensuring safe transportation and security for employees, particularly women 🛡️, is a statutory responsibility.

📈 Impact on Businesses & the Economy

• 🏪 Retail Sector: Extended operations may attract more footfall and improve sales.
• 🍴 Hospitality Industry: Restaurants, cafés, and eateries will benefit from late-night demand.
• 👩‍💼 Employment: More job opportunities for staff across shifts.
• ✈️ Tourism Boost: Strengthens Maharashtra’s image as a global business and leisure hub.

📌 Conclusion

The Maharashtra 24×7 shops and restaurants law is a landmark reform that promotes business growth while aligning with global practices. However, compliance obligations under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, 2017 remain crucial.

Employers must ensure that employee welfare, labour law compliance, and safety measures are not compromised while leveraging this opportunity.

🔎 For businesses in retail and hospitality, this is the right time to revisit internal shift policies, safety measures, and statutory registers to stay fully compliant while enjoying the benefits of round-the-clock operations.