Bars on Christmas and New Year: The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India has asked the Maharashtra Government to allow longer working hours for hotels and restaurants during the year-end festive days. The association wants food and beverage places to stay open at least till 5 am on December 24 December 25 and December 31. HRAWI shared this request in an official statement and said these dates are very important for the hospitality business.
The association said it wants a quick and positive reply from the Devendra Fadnavis-led Government. It explained that hotels and restaurants need enough time to plan events manage staff and control crowds during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
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At present the Maharashtra Government allows hotels and restaurants to run 24 hours every day as per a circular issued on October 1 2025. But this rule does not apply to places that have excise licenses to serve liquor. HRAWI is asking the Government to relax rules only for these excise-licensed food and drink outlets on the festive dates.
HRAWI assures safety and crowd control
HRAWI President Jimmy Shaw said the last days of the year matter a lot for tourism and hospitality businesses. He reminded the Government that longer working hours have been allowed earlier during festivals. He said this helps restaurants and hotels manage crowds better and plan safely.
According to Mint, he said, “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 and manage crowds effectively. We assure the Government that our members will strictly comply with all safety, security and regulatory requirements.”
Delhi changes excise Rules for Churches
While Maharashtra considers requests from hotels and restaurants Delhi has already changed some excise rules. The Delhi Government has relaxed rules for churches by allowing them to store much more sacramental wine than before. Churches can now store up to 4,000 litres of sacramental wine every year.
The Finance Department issued a notification to amend Rule 20 of the Delhi Excise Rules 2010. Earlier the Bishop of Delhi could keep only 91 litres of wine for church use. After the change the Bishop can buy import transport and store up to 4,000 litres of duty-free sacramental wine each year. This wine can come in one or many consignments from approved distilleries anywhere in India with permission from the Excise Commissioner.
An official explained the change clearly. He said, “Earlier, the rule permitted the Bishop of Delhi to purchase and possess up to 91 litres of wine for church use. Under the revised provision, the Bishop can now buy, import, transport and store up to 4,000 litres of duty-free sacramental wine annually, in one or multiple consignments, from authorised distilleries anywhere in India, with prior approval of the Excise Commissioner.”
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The official added that churches asked for this change because wine is a key part of Holy Communion. Churches use it only for prayers and special days like Christmas and Easter. It is not meant for sale or general drinking.
The Delhi Government also increased storage limits for special denatured spirit used by industries. An official said, “This has been done to ease operational constraints for industrial units dependent on denatured spirit for various authorised purposes and is part of the Government’s broader ease-of-doing-business measures, while maintaining regulatory oversight under the excise framework.”
