The state government has issued a circular permitting shops, restaurants, hotels, malls, and other establishments—excluding liquor outlets—to operate round the clock. This significant move has generated a positive response across various industries, particularly retail, hospitality, and the food and beverage sectors.
### Industry Perspective
**Positive Sentiment:**
Retail, hospitality, and food and beverage businesses view this policy as a major opportunity. It aligns Mumbai with global cities known for their thriving “night economy,” which can boost jobs, tourism, and revenue.
**Flexibility:**
The circular does not mandate that every shop remain open all night. Instead, it gives businesses the option to operate based on customer demand, allowing them to choose hours that best suit their operations.
### Practical Challenges Highlighted by Industry
**Law and Order:**
Despite the circular, local police may still insist on early closures in some areas due to safety concerns. There is often a gap between the official directive and enforcement on the ground.
**Staffing and Transport:**
Ensuring the availability of staff for late-night shifts and their safe commute, especially for women employees, remains a key issue for many businesses.
**Costs vs. Returns:**
Smaller shops may find it economically unviable to stay open late if the customer footfall during these hours is low.
**Civic Coordination:**
To facilitate smooth operations during late hours, there needs to be enhanced coordination involving garbage collection, fire safety, licensing, and other civic compliances.
### Police Stance
**Official Position:**
Police are expected to enforce the government’s circular.
**Practical Reality:**
However, they retain discretionary powers and may “advise” or pressure shops to close early in areas where law and order risks are perceived.
**Implementation:**
The success of this policy will largely depend on effective local enforcement and adequate security arrangements.
### Early Impact
The policy is welcomed by the industry, but 24-hour operations will initially be more common among malls, food courts, large retailers, and chain outlets with sufficient resources. Small standalone shops may adopt this model more gradually.
### International Examples of 24/7 Operations
Several global retail chains successfully operate round the clock, including:
– **7-Eleven:** USA, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong
– **Circle K:** Europe, North America, Asia
– **Carrefour Express:** Select 24/7 locations in Europe and the Middle East
– **Tesco Express:** Select 24/7 outlets in the U.K. and beyond
– **Walmart Supercenters:** USA and select other countries
– **CVS & Walgreens:** 24/7 in many US cities
### Impact on Maharashtra and Mumbai
In Maharashtra, especially Mumbai—India’s financial capital and a city famed as “the city that never sleeps”—this decision is expected to pave the way for franchise-driven and local 24/7 superstores. These outlets will attract Mumbaikars as well as domestic and international travelers, enhancing shopping convenience and the overall experience.
The timing of the move is particularly beneficial ahead of major festivals such as Eid, Diwali, Christmas, and the New Year. Extended shopping hours during these periods are anticipated to boost consumer convenience and retail sales.
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*Author: President, Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/nod-to-247-shops-is-a-great-deal-but-execution-not-without-challenges