Mumbai nightlife: How are retailers preparing for 24x7 rules

HIGHLIGHTS

• Mumbai is set to allow shops and establishments to be open throughout the night.
• McDonald's became the first major entity to announce eateries that will remain open round the clock.
• Retailers Association of India also praised the move calling it a "win-win".

Fast-food chain McDonald's became the first major entity to announce that a select few eateries will be open round the clock in the financial capital under the new rules by the Maharashtra government. The new rules being which allow shops and establishments to be open through the night with some riders come into effect from January 27.

However, there are reports of reluctance among owners with regard to new directions. The retail industry had welcomed the move by Maharashtra after the Uddhav Thackeray-led government took the decision earlier this week.

The food chain's India franchise owner Westlife Development said seven of its 46 outlets in the financial capital will be running around the clock from Monday and eventually it will scale up the number. All the seven outlets are located in premium malls spread across the city. Its senior director Saurabh Kalra said this will make Mumbai a truly "maximum city".

The city, which has a reputation of not sleeping at all, generally relishes on illegal eateries that thrive across neighborhoods, with egg varieties being a favorite night snack.

The Retailers Association of India had in a statement said that employment will increase by 10 percent in the city because of such a move. "This is a win-win for all. It will help increase customer satisfaction because customers can buy things whenever there is a need. It will help retailers achieve better sales as well as increase the revenue collection for the state government," it had said.

Many of the mall owners have reportedly said that initially they will be open only till 3 am and may take it up to 5 AM.

The government move comes with riders including the the inability to operate in residential areas in the late hours, and other applicable limits on noise pollution.