HRAWI Seeks Extended Bar Hours For FIFA World Cup Final

The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) (HRAWI) has made a request to the Maharashtra government to extend the operating hours of permit rooms and bars in licensed hotels and restaurants across the state. This request is specifically for the FIFA World Cup Final, which is scheduled to take place on July 20.

The association has submitted a representation to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, seeking permission for licensed establishments to remain open until 3:30 a.m. on the day of the final. This would allow football fans to watch the live telecast of the match at these venues.

According to HRAWI, hotels and restaurants have already started receiving enquiries from guests interested in watching the final at their venues. The extension would help accommodate residents, domestic tourists, and international visitors expected to follow the match.

HRAWI President Jimmy Shaw stated that the FIFA World Cup Final is a global sporting spectacle that brings people together across cultures and borders. He added that allowing a one-time extension of operating hours for licensed hotel and restaurant bars would enable patrons to enjoy the match in a safe, regulated, and professionally managed environment.

The association pointed out that the governments of Karnataka and Assam had granted similar one-time relaxations for licensed hospitality establishments during previous FIFA World Cup Finals. HRAWI has appealed to Maharashtra to adopt a similar approach, ensuring compliance with public safety, excise regulations, and law and order requirements.

Besides Maharashtra, HRAWI has also submitted similar representations to the governments of Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat. The association highlighted the disparity in the present restrictions on bar operating hours, which prevent licensed establishments from serving customers throughout the duration of the late-night match.

HRAWI emphasized its commitment to responsible operations, stating that the extension would not only generate additional business for licensed hotels and restaurants but also benefit allied sectors by boosting late-night dining, food and beverage sales, and tourism-related spending.

The association believes that providing visitors with safe and supervised venues to enjoy the event would be a positive step. With the FIFA World Cup Final being one of the world's most-watched sporting events, HRAWI is hopeful that the Maharashtra government will consider its request and grant the one-time extension.

The decision to extend the operating hours would have a significant impact on the hospitality sector in Maharashtra, as well as on the state's tourism industry. It would also reflect the government's approach towards promoting international sporting events and tourism.

In conclusion, the HRAWI's request to extend bar operating hours for the FIFA World Cup Final is a significant one, with potential benefits for the hospitality sector, tourism industry, and football fans in Maharashtra. The state government's decision on this matter will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for future international sporting events.