Cabinet approves ‘Mumbai 24-hours’ policy as Maximum City to remain open all night

The proposal for ‘Mumbai 24-hours’ policy which would keep multiplex, shops,
restaurants and malls in Mumbai open round the clock was passed by the
Maharashtra cabinet on 22nd january’2020.

This move as per the sources shall be implemented from January 27 paving the
way for making the maximum city remain open 24×7.

Speaking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Aaditya Thackeray said the
decision could help boost revenue and jobs, in addition to the existing five lakh
people working in the service sector.

In an attempt to explicate growth Mumbai’s night-time economy, a proposal

was mooted for 24-hour access to the city’s eateries and malls. As an step
towards initiation, the policy will be progressively launched across gated spaces
and non-residential areas that have their own CCTV surveillance and parking
facilities, and where decibel levels can be curtailed. Thackeray was said to be
the prime mover behind the proposal.

Speaking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Thackeray said the decision
could help generate more revenue and jobs, in addition to the existing five lakh
people working in the service sector.

As of now, standalone establishments will not be part of the push, which will
cover restaurants inside malls that do not serve alcohol. Food trucks will also be
allowed to operate through the night at prominent locations like Nariman Point.

Excise rules, however, have not been touched and pubs and bars will close as
usual at 1.30 am. Calling Mumbai a “24×7 functional city”, Thackeray said,
“There are people who work in night shifts. There are tourists, too, in transit.
Where do they go if they are hungry after 10 pm?”
A similar move was initiated in 2017 by the previous BJP government but the
plan was opposed by the police.

Author: Kumar Aditya