In a move to ensure effective enforcement and clarity under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017, the Government of Maharashtra has issued a circular reiterating that most establishments can operate 24 hours a day, excluding those dealing in liquor sales or service.
The circular, dated October 1, 2025, was issued by the Department of Industry, Energy, Labour and Mines (Govt. Circular No. May-1225/P.No.159/Worker-10) and is aimed at addressing concerns raised by public representatives and business owners about inconsistent enforcement by local authorities and police.
🏪 Key Clarifications from the Circular
✅ 1. Non-Liquor Establishments Can Operate 24×7
Under Section 16(1)(b) of the 2017 Act:
- Shops, hotels, restaurants, theatres, malls, and other non-liquor-serving establishments can remain open on all days, round the clock.
- Mandatory weekly rest: Each employee must be granted one full day (24 consecutive hours) of rest every week.
- “Day” is defined under Section 2(2) as a 24-hour period starting from midnight.
🚫 2. Liquor-Serving Establishments Cannot Operate 24×7
- Permits rooms, beer/wine bars, dance bars, hookah parlours, discotheques, and liquor shops are regulated separately.
- Their operating hours are restricted under the Government Notification dated 19/12/2017.
- These time restrictions remain in force and 24-hour operations are not permitted for such establishments.
📢 Why the Circular Was Issued
The government was receiving:
- Complaints from businesses that local police or municipal bodies were preventing 24-hour operations, even though the law allows it.
- Concerns from public representatives about uneven implementation and unnecessary restrictions on operating hours.
To resolve these issues, the circular:
- Reaffirms the legal provisions of the 2017 Act.
- Directs local administrations and the police to strictly adhere to the Act.
- Clarifies that only liquor-related establishments are bound by restricted hours.
🌐 Official Access and Legal Status
- The circular is available on the Maharashtra Government portal: www.maharashtra.gov.in
- Document Code: 202510011205158410
- The order is digitally signed and legally binding.
🎯 Implications for Businesses
- Retailers, supermarkets, cafes, gyms, multiplexes, and service establishments can now legally operate 24/7 across Maharashtra.
- Workforce scheduling must still comply with:
- Weekly rest provisions
- Applicable labour welfare laws
- Liquor-serving businesses must continue to follow their prescribed operational hours.
📝 Conclusion
With this circular, Maharashtra has taken a decisive step toward liberalizing retail business operations, promoting the Ease of Doing Business, and ensuring uniform application of labour laws. This move is expected to benefit the hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors, allowing more flexibility in operations while safeguarding worker rights.