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Party just got longer, thanks to Rakesh Maria; Mumbai bars, restaurants can serve liquor till 1.30am

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The city police chief has just served a piece of good news to tipplers. Bars and restaurants across the city will now be able to serve liquor till 1.30 am, an hour later than what most establishments are allowed to do.

Under existing rules, restaurants can serve the last order for alcohol till 1.30 am, but many police stations impose a 12.30am deadline on their own. Bar owners don't dare to go against the cops fearing harassment.

Concerned at the loss of business due to the police-inflicted deadline, members of the Hotel & Restaurant Association (Western India) had met Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria on July 28 to air their grievances. And they got a favourable response, said an officer, who did not wish to be named as he is not allowed to speak to the media on the issue.

"The members had alleged that despite their establishments having the permission to serve liquor till 1.30 am, officers from some police stations were taking action against them if they served alcohol after 12.30 am," he said.

The source said the restaurant association members also brought to the notice of the police commissioner that local police stations were asking lodges to close down after 1.30 am and would threaten to take action if the time frame was not adhered to.

In a big relief to lodge owners, Maria has now asked assistant commissioners of police to withdraw the entry of 1.30am deadline from the licenses of lodges. This eventually means that the premises will be allowed to function 24 hours, without any police intervention.

"The police commissioner is of the opinion that in Mumbai, locals and foreign nationals may need accommodation anytime for the purpose of work, employment and medical reasons. Hence, it would not be possible to close lodging business after 1.30 am," said the officer.

What the rules say
As per the government resolutions issued on June 5, 1999 and December 3, 2011, the establishments are permitted to serve liquor till 1.30 am. Under Rules for Keeping Places of Public Entertainment in Mumbai, 1953, it is required for the hotels and establishments to stop serving liquor after 1.30 am. Similarly, there is no time restriction in the rules for lodging. "It seems that the officers are unaware or ignorant about these rules. The senior police inspectors should inform their officers and staff about it," said a senior police officer.

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