Watching the FIFA World Cup final on July 20? Maharashtra lets restaurants stay open till 4 am
The Maharashtra dispensation has allowed restaurants, cafes and bars across the state to remain open until 4 am on Monday to facilitate live screenings of
The Maharashtra dispensation has allowed restaurants, cafes and bars across the state to remain open until 4 am on Monday to facilitate live screenings of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The decision comes just a day before the title clash between defending champions Argentina and Spain. The decision was taken after the Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), Mumbai, requested permission for restaurants, hotels and eateries across Maharashtra to remain open beyond the usual closing time so that customers could watch the live screening of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on July 20. Permission subject to five conditions In an order issued by the Home Department, the government said the relaxation has been granted under Section 33 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, and will apply only to licensed restaurants, hotels and eateries. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What are the new operating hours for restaurants in Maharashtra during the FIFA World Cup final? ⌵ Restaurants, cafes, and bars in Maharashtra are allowed to remain open until 4 am on July 20 to facilitate live screenings of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
2 Why did the Maharashtra government extend restaurant hours for the FIFA World Cup final? ⌵ The extension was granted following a request from the Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) to support fans watching the live screening of the final match. 3 What conditions must restaurants comply with to remain open late during the FIFA World Cup final? ⌵ Restaurants must deploy adequate private security, avoid illegal or obscene activities, and ensure no public nuisance occurs to comply with the government's guidelines. 4 How are other states accommodating football fans during the FIFA World Cup final? ⌵ States like Delhi, Telangana, and Bengaluru have also extended restaurant operating hours to allow fans to watch the live screening of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. 5 Should restaurant owners be concerned about violating any laws during the extended hours for the FIFA World Cup final? ⌵ Yes, any violation of laws or public peace could lead to legal action, including the potential withdrawal of the permission to stay open late.
However, establishments must comply with several conditions. Restaurant owners have been directed to deploy adequate private security inside and outside their premises to ensure that no law and order or public nuisance issues arise. Also Read | FIFA World Cup 2026 final gets a weather boost as storms may clear smoky skies The order also prohibits illegal activities, obscene acts, loud music or any behaviour that may cause inconvenience to the public. Managements will be held responsible for ensuring compliance. The government clarified that all existing restrictions applicable to the establishments will continue to remain in force. Any violation of the law or breach of peace could result in legal action, including withdrawal of the relaxation. The order further states that District Magistrates and Police Commissioners may impose additional restrictions or revoke the relaxation if required, depending on local law and order, public peace and other prevailing conditions. Delhi, Telangana, Bengaluru extend restaurant timings for FIFA World Cup final Delhi, Telangana, Bengaluru, Assam have also extended the operating hours of restaurants, cafés and bars to allow fans to watch the live screening of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
The BriefWire