India, Oct. 3 -- Mumbai, often called the city that never sleeps, moved a step closer to that reputation with the Maharashtra government allowing shops and establishments to operate 24 hours. The decision, notified through a circular issued by the state labour department on Wednesday, will be applicable across the state.

The order covers all shops, restaurants, malls, theatres, and entertainment venues, but excludes liquor shops, bars, and hookah parlours. The move comes after repeated complaints from businesses about being denied extended hours by police and local authorities despite the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017, which already permits such operations.

The decisi...