Maharashtra Restaurants Can Now Function Till Midnight: State Govt

"Local DDMA may restrict these timings further if so deemed fit due to any local requirements," the order states.

Image of restaurant in Mumbai used for representational purpose.

(Photo Courtesy: Instagram/thegoodwifebkc)

All restaurants and eateries in Maharashtra are now permitted to function till 12 am, informed the state government on Tuesday, 19 October. Meanwhile, all other establishments that have been allowed to function by the government may be allowed to stay open till 11 pm.

The government however has stated that it is mandatory for restaurant staff to be fully vaccinated and insist on the same for patrons.

The announcement came a day after Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting with the COVID task force and asked officials to form guidelines to extend operational hours of shops and restaurants, news agency PTI reported.

Further, as per ANI, an order signed by Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte read:

"Local DDMA may restrict these timings further if so deemed fit due to any local requirements but shall not relax it further without the consent of SDMA.”

Earlier the state government had announced that amusement parks, theatres, and cinema halls would be allowed to reopen from 22 October. This came as the number of COVID-19 cases showed a decline in Maharashtra.

However, water rides have not yet been permitted at amusement parks, reported news agency PTI.

(With inputs from PTI)