Seeks Permission For Licensed Hotel & Restaurant Establishments To Operate Till 3:30 a.m. On 20^th July 2026

Mumbai, July 17: The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI has submitted representations to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra – Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa – Dr Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh – Dr Mohan Yadav and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh – Shri Vishnu Deo Sai requesting a one-time extension of the permitted operating hours for permit rooms and bars functioning within licensed hotels and restaurants in the States. The Association has also submitted a representation to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat – Shri Bhupendra Patel, seeking a one-time extension of operating hours for licensed restaurants and hospitality establishments in the State. It has urged the Governments to allow these establishments to remain operational until 3:30 a.m. on Monday, 20^th July 2026, to facilitate the live telecast of the FIFA World Cup Final.

“The FIFA World Cup Final is a truly global sporting spectacle that brings people together across cultures and borders. Allowing a one-time extension of operating hours for licensed hotels and restaurants will enable patrons to enjoy the match in a safe, regulated and professionally managed environment while also supporting tourism and the hospitality sector. Such a measure would encourage responsible celebrations at licensed establishments rather than unregulated venues and reflect the western region’s progressive approach towards promoting international sporting events and tourism,”

Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI.

HRAWI has pointed out that the Governments of Karnataka and Assam have already granted similar one-time relaxations for licensed hospitality establishments during the FIFA World Cup Final, while ensuring strict adherence to public safety, law and order, excise regulations and licensing conditions. The Association has appealed to the Governments across the western region to adopt a similar approach in the interest of tourism, hospitality and responsible public viewing.

“While several categories of businesses are now permitted to operate round the clock in certain States, the existing restrictions on operating hours for licensed hospitality establishments prevent us from serving patrons for the duration of the match. The extension would not only generate additional business for licensed hotels and restaurants but also benefit allied sectors by boosting late night dining, food and beverage sales and tourism related spending. It would also provide visitors with safe and supervised venues to enjoy the event, thereby supporting responsible hospitality practices,”
Pradeep Shetty, Spokesperson, HRAWI.

HRAWI has assured the Governments that all participating member establishments will strictly comply with all applicable licensing conditions, excise regulations, public safety measures, crowd management protocols, noise control norms and directions issued by the Police, State Excise Departments and other competent authorities.

“Our member establishments have consistently demonstrated their commitment to responsible operations and full regulatory compliance during special occasions and major public events. We are confident that, if approved, this one-time extension can be implemented seamlessly while maintaining the highest standards of public safety, discipline and guest management. We sincerely hope the Governments will favourably consider our request and extend this support to the region’s hospitality industry and the thousands of football enthusiasts eager to experience the final responsibly,”

Pradeep Shetty, Spokesperson, HRAWI.

About the Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI

The Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI is a 76 years old Association of Hotels and Restaurants in Western India. Its members include Restaurants and Hotels up to 5-Star Deluxe categories. With membership base spread across Western India, HRAWI covers Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa and Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and is considered to be the voice of the Hospitality Industry. The association is part of the national body of the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), located in New Delhi, which was originally founded in Mumbai in 1950 by the late Mr J.R.D. Tata.