Mumbai: In a massive shot in the arm for soccer aficionados and the nightlife industry across Maharashtra, the state govt on Sunday cleared a special extension allowing hotels, restaurants and eateries to remain open until 4 AM on Monday. The late-night relaxation was specifically aimed at facilitating public screenings of the high-octane FIFA World Cup 2026 final showdown between European champions Spain and defending global champions Argentina.The notification, issued on July 19 by the State Home Department under Section 33 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, came in response to an urgent appeal made by the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), Mumbai. With the final kicking off late in the night according to Indian Standard Time (IST), the directive ensures Mumbaikars can experience the global football spectacle on the big screen without the dampener of early closing hours. HRAWI, a body representing premium restaurants, bars and hotels, too, made the demand.However, the late-night permission came anchored with stringent legal and security guardrails. Joint Secretary (Home) Mugdha N. Dhuri clarified in the official order that the extension applies strictly to indoor establishments operating within closed structures or buildings. Open-air rooftops, lawns and outdoor dining decks will not be permitted to stream or operate beyond standard deadlines, the home dept circular stated.To prevent any post-match rowdyism or security lapses, the home department has put the onus completely on the hospitality sector. “Establishment owners must deploy a substantial number of private security guards both inside and outside the venue premises,” the order stated, warning that licensees will face direct prosecution and strict legal liability if any untoward incident or crime triggers a law-and-order situation.Crucially for residential neighbourhoods, the state refused to relax noise pollution norms. Eateries using heavy sound systems or loudspeakers must operate strictly within the permissible decibel limits regulated by the Supreme Court and High Court guidelines, the circular stated.Furthermore, the govt gave absolute veto power to local law enforcement. Local police commissioners and district administrations retained the statutory right to deny or immediately revoke this timing relaxation to any specific establishment if they sense a threat to public peace. Top sources confirmed that the Director General of Police (DGP) already ordered “extremely tight security deployments” across key entertainment hubs in Mumbai, Thane and Pune to ensure the night passes smoothly.Local football fan clubs and restaurant operators welcomed the move with open arms. “The World Cup final happens once in four years, and this time it’s the ultimate dream match. Getting to watch it legally with fellow fans until 4 AM with food and beverages available is the best news we could have hoped for,” said a representative of a prominent Mumbai-based fan club.
