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  Metros   Mumbai  24 Dec 2016  Maharashtra government extends closing time of pubs, booze shops for Xmas, NYE

Maharashtra government extends closing time of pubs, booze shops for Xmas, NYE

THE ASIAN AGE. | SHRUTI GANAPATYE
Published : Dec 24, 2016, 4:06 am IST
Updated : Dec 24, 2016, 6:54 am IST

There are over 12,000 clubs and bars in the city and over 4,000 wine shops.

The police and the excise department have planned special squads for vigilance at various locations in the city to avoid drunk driving cases. (Representational Image)
 The police and the excise department have planned special squads for vigilance at various locations in the city to avoid drunk driving cases. (Representational Image)

Mumbai: Ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Maharashtra government has allowed liquor shops to remain open till 1 am and bars and clubs to remain open till 5 am on December 24, 25 and 31.

There are over 12,000 clubs and bars in the city and over 4,000 wine shops.  The normal closing time for wine shops is 11 pm, which has been extended to 1 am for Christmas and New Year. “Clubs and bars can remain open till 5 am considering the celebrations and wine and liquor shops can sell liquor till 1 am since there is a greater demand for liquor due to the celebrations,” said an official from the state excise department. A similar extension was given earlier as well.

The official added that there would also be due vigilance to avoid any untoward incidents. The police and the excise department have planned special squads for vigilance at various locations in the city to avoid drunk driving cases. “There is a possibility that drunk driving cases might increase during the celebration period. It is a routine act and we are more alert during the festive days,” said an official from the police department. The police and the excise department would also keep a watch on the possible sale of illicit liquor.

Tags: christmas, new year, maharashtra government
Location: India, Maharashtra, Mumbai (Bombay)