This New Year's Mumbai bars wide open from dusk to dawn

The state government has paved way for New Year’s revellers to party hard.

Home minister RR Patil has directed the Mumbai police to allow bars, restaurants and eateries to work till wee hours on January 1.

The decision was taken as city people celebrate New Year’s outside till the wee hours of the new year.

The Mumbai police had restricted the sale of liquor and not allowed shops and establishments to remain open till late on Christmas (December 25).

Mumbai police commissioner Satyapal Singh had suggested similar steps to restrict timings on December 31 night to ensure law and order situation.

However, the home department has turned down the suggestion and decided to allow the establishments to remain open till late night. So the bars and restaurants, which usually shut at 1.30am, can remain open till 5.30am on January 1.

“Keeping the culture and trend of the people in mind, it would have been unjustified to put time restrictions on bars and restaurants. We have directed the police to keep proper vigilance to maintain law and order,” said home minister RR Patil.