Government of Maharashtra allows Shops to keep its doors open for 24 hours

Maharashtra • Shops & Establishments

Government of Maharashtra Allows Shops to Operate 24×7

New circular clarifies round-the-clock operations for shops with safeguards under the Maharashtra Shops & Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017.

At a glance: Shops (excluding liquor-selling/supplying establishments) may stay open 24/7 if they comply with the Act’s conditions, ensure weekly rest for employees, and meet all safety and display norms.

Salient Points for Businesses & Public

1) 24/7 Operations Allowed

All establishments except those selling/supplying liquor may operate round the clock subject to compliance with the Act and applicable conditions.

2) Weekly Rest is Mandatory

Employees must receive a continuous 24-hour weekly off as per the 2017 Act to protect worker health and welfare.

3) Exclusions (Liquor Establishments)

Permit rooms, beer bars, dance bars, hookah parlours, discotheques, and liquor shops remain governed by separate fixed opening/closing timings set via Government Resolution.

4) Clarity for Local Authorities

Circular prevents unwarranted enforcement of earlier restricted timings. The State may still define category-wise timings as needed.

Additional notes: Theatres/cinemas were previously regulated but are now removed from the restricted-hours list. The move aims to boost business activity and improve customer convenience across Maharashtra.

Retail Industry Reactions

After multiple representations from the Retailers Association of India, the state has provided a 365-days-open facility for compliant retailers.
Leaders note the move enhances consumption, customer satisfaction, tourism, and will help generate employment for youth in retail.
Seen as a landmark easing criteria rooted in policies set decades ago—aligning retail with modern socio-economic dynamics.

Karma Global – Compliance Under the Shops & Establishments Acts

Karma Management supports pan-India regulatory obligations under State Shops & Establishments laws. Key service areas include:

Obtaining & renewing Shop/Establishment Registration
Notifying changes; surrender on closure
Maintaining Muster-cum-Wage Register & Leave Cards
Consent & safe-transport protocol for women in night shifts
Filing Annual Returns and maintaining Identity Cards

Constituting Health & Safety Committees (≥100 employees)
Inspection readiness: registers, notices, responses
Declaring managerial personnel as required
Ensuring Marathi name boards & statutory abstracts
Name plates & entry-lobby displays as mandated

Why the Circular Matters

The 24×7 allowance—paired with strict employee welfare safeguards—balances business flexibility and worker protection. It reduces friction with local enforcement, supports tourism & late-hour commerce, and modernises the retail ecosystem in Maharashtra.

Plan to Go 24×7? Get Compliance-Ready.

Karma Management can audit your readiness, align rosters with weekly-off mandates, and set up documentation & display norms.

???? Write to: marketing@karmamgmt.com

Explore the knowledge archive