Mumbai: An amendment to the Maharashtra Shops and Establishment (Regulation of Employment and Service Condition) Act, 2017, which allows shops and establishments to remain open round the clock in three shifts has been welcomed by the industry and consumers.
The government on Tuesday amended the Act and issued a notification. While bars and pubs will have certain restrictions, eateries, cafés, and shops will benefit. Street vendors too are happy.
The Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association (FRTWA) released points highlighting the advantages and disadvantages. Viren Shah, president, FRTWA, said the main advantage is that there would be no ‘inspector raj’. “Corruption will come down, and during festivals, shops can remain open till late night without fear.”
In suburban Mumbai, provision stores will remain open till midnight to survive the onslaught of online competition. Mr. Shah said new format stores, and restaurants operating between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. and 24-hour Mexican and Chinese food centres will come up.
“New formats of provision stores, coffee shops, pizza and fast food chains, and fast food delivery joints will not only fetch revenue to the government, but will also give employment to college students and help tourism,” he said.
Rajesh K, a tea stall owner in Churchgate, said he is happy. “Now there will be more people coming to have tea. It will benefit me and my family.”
Nandini Gandhi, a student, said she is happy because the law now allows her to hang out with her friends longer.
Bademiya in Colaba called it a great move. “Tourists from all over the world come to Mumbai, and they will need food at night,” an employee, who identified himself as Jamal, said.
Syed Pasha, a retailer at Linking Road, said working men and women walk in when it is time to down the shutter. “We have had to ask them to leave. The new law will help us increase our sales.”
Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association president Adarsh Shetty said he wants this facility to get implemented at railway stations as well. “Malls and other small eateries (with less than 10 employees ) are going to benefit. Big restaurants might see a drop in customers.”
There are many who are not happy with the move.
Mumbai Jewellers Association president Kumar Jain said this law is of no good to them. “We sell precious things, and if we had to keep the store open for 24 hours, we might need extra security. I don’t think the police will be able to help us.”
Fort Merchant Welfare Association president Ashok Patel too opposed the Bill, and said it is only beneficial for illegal activities. “This in no way benefits us. We are going to be forced to pay more bribe to policemen and other officials if we keep the shops open late at night. Besides, if shops remain open for a longer period, owners will have to pay twice the money to workers.”
FRTWA’s Mr. Shah said that eateries (with less than 10 employees) could save about ₹48 crore which will be paid as their annual fees for renewal of licences.
Speaking of the disadvantages, he said that certain residential areas will have restrictions on allowing restaurants operate till late night, and that they will be at the mercy of the police and the local residents association. “Alcohol being permitted only till 1.30 a.m. will hamper tourism and night life,” he said, adding that a 24/7 night life without alcohol permits can’t be called night life in the real sense.
