Mumbai could soon see 24x7 shopping – but not partying

Mumbai residents could soon have the convenience of shopping at any time of the day or night, as the Maharashtra government is reportedly giving finishing touches to a bill that would allow most shops - kiranas, tailors, supermarkets, etc - in the metropolis, including grocers, clothiers, and supermarkets, to stay open throughout the night, seven days a week.

The only point of contention is whether all areas in Mumbai should be allowed to operate 24x7, or only certain areas, according to a Times of India report.

The move is part of the state government's ease of doing business initiative, and the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (MSEB) Bill is likely to be introduced in the forthcoming monsoon session of the state assembly.

The bill will allow shops and establishments that give their employees a mandatory weekly off to stay open 24x7. Women employees too would be allowed to work night shifts, but their consent will be needed and the employer should provide for their safety.

Maharashtra government officials, however, said that permit rooms, beer bars, wine shops, discotheques and pubs would be excluded from the new policy.

''We will not allow a blanket approval for all establishments to remain open; beer bars and wine shops will have to shut at their usual hour as there would be a law and order problem,'' said a state government official quoted by TOI. The home department and the Mumbai Police have already expressed reservations about the policy.