Maharashtra Allows Restaurants, Bars To Be Open Until 5 AM On Christmas-New Year Eve

The Christmas-New Year Eve (NYE) season is the ultimate time to let loose and party but curfews, restrictions, and law enforcement can hamper your NYE plans. Luckily, the Maharashtra government has announced the decision permitting restaurants, restobars, and pubs to operate until 5 AM on Christmas Eve (December 24), Christmas (December 25), and New Year’s Eve (December 31). Here are all the details you need to know about this decision.

Maharashtra Restobars And Pubs To Operate Until 5 AM This NYE!

HRAWI Appeals To Maharashtra Government For Operational Extension On NYE Festive Days

As per a Maharashtra government circular dated October 1, 2025, hotels and restaurants in the state are permitted to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, excise-licensed establishments serving liquor are excluded from this provision.

The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) (HRAWI) had specifically appealed to the Maharashtra government to seek relaxation for these establishments on these three festive days. The Maharashtra government, on Wednesday, December 24, announced that restaurants, pubs, and restobars are permitted to operate until 5 AM on Christmas Eve, Christmas, and NYE.

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Extended Operating Hours For Retail Liquor Outlets

Under normal circumstances, these establishments are mandated to shut by 1:30 AM across the state. The extended operating hours on these festive days are aimed at easing crowd pressure and catering to the festive surge and tourist footfall in light of the year-end celebrations.

Retail liquor outlets have been granted a partial extension to their operating hours. Liquor stores, wine shops, and country liquor bars can now remain open until 1 AM, instead of the usual closing time of 10:30 PM. This change is aimed at accommodating the increased demand during the festive season, particularly with the New Year's Eve celebrations approaching.

Officials have stated that the relaxation is subject to strict compliance with law and order requirements. Establishments will be required to adhere to noise control measures and safety guidelines. Additionally, the police have been asked to intensify patrolling around nightlife establishments to curb instances of drunk driving and maintain public order.

Hotel & Bar Owners Welcome The Move

Hotel and bar owners have appreciated this decision, welcoming the move in a positive way. “The year-end festive period is among the most significant for the hospitality and tourism industry. Extending operating hours recalls a well-established precedent and allows establishments to plan responsibly while managing crowds effectively. We assure the government that our members will strictly comply with all safety, security and regulatory requirements,” said Jimmy Shaw, President of HRAWI.

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Tips For Celebrating NYE

• Plan your commute before you begin partying. If you or your friends intend to have drinks, make sure you or those friends do not drive. In such cases, opt for cabs or public transportation for safety reasons.
• Pace your drinks – sip slowly, hydrate, and eat well between drinks.
• Carry valid ID proofs with you as extended celebrations often come with tighter security checks.
• Pick licensed pubs, clubs, and restobars that follow safety norms. Do not opt for shady, unlicensed venues or those that do not follow safety norms.
• Stay together with your crew, keep your devices charged, and share your location with trusted friends/family.

Summing Up

Partying in Maharashtra during NYE season will now be more fun, thanks to operational extension until 5 AM. The Maharashtra government has permitted restaurants, pubs, and restobars to operate until 5 AM under specific guidelines on Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. So adhere to safety norms, follow rules, and party like there’s no tomorrow!