Mumbai: A new policy in India’s financial hub Mumbai — which allows malls, shopping complexes, restaurants and other businesses in non-residential areas to remain open round-the clock — is expected not only to generate jobs and revenue, but also help thousands of people working in the services sector, officials say.
For now, the 24/7 project will cover outlets in Bandra Kurla Complex, Nariman Point and large malls in erstwhile textile mill compounds, where security is already present and which are normally frequented by large numbers of the public.
There will be no change in the 1.30am limit for serving liquor, the government says.
However, the nitty gritties of how owners of shops and eateries will manage additional costs — in terms of overtime pay, more employees, energy costs and so on — has yet to be worked out.
The exercise is voluntary and according to Aaditya Thackeray, state Tourism Minister, this is a pilot project and will be operated on an experimental basis.
Those working in smaller malls which get more visitors only during the weekend said it was futile to keep their shops open late since even during the day or evening, buyers come in at a trickle. Business is low, they say.
What Mumbai residents say
The new proposal for India’s Maximum City policy, which came into effect on midnight Tuesday, has met with a mixed bag of reaction — some applauding the move and others questioning whether it is necessary at all.
Shweta and Abhinav Trivedi, senior bank executives
“For millennial couples like us, this plan is very good since we are normally in office from 8 am-8 pm and with shops shutting by 7.30 pm, we are compelled to do our shopping during the weekend. But I now have an option since my purchases can be spread through the week, leaving better use of my weekend time with my four-year-old daughter.
“Business is bound to pick up and I think even bigger branded shops will definitely use this opportunity to improve their sales from catering to large crowds during the weekend to having a steady flow of customers during weekdays.
“On the question of safety during late hours, I believe that’s a mindset we have grown up with but there’s been a lot of changes. Having said that, vigilance and patrolling by the police will have to go up.
Keeping their outlets open through the night will not be a problem for big malls as they already have a security set up.
“Earlier, my husband and I would go for late night movies in Gurugram and that was so daring! But in Mumbai, there is a lot of traffic even at midnight and people are out on the streets. A Mumbai 24 hours plan will give those people a choice of stepping into a café for a midnight coffee break or snack. How cool is that!
Abhinav Trivedi
From our perspective, it is good to have this choice of going out late to dine, meet friends or watch a movie. It also gives us an opportunity to think of doing so in future — although in the past we never thought about late-night outings. Many of our friends do make arrangements to meet once a week to have their time out.
From the business angle, if you observe, the highest number of footfalls is at malls, food courts and theatres and this move will definitely be a shot in the arm for the industry. Even tourism is likely to improve.
Keeping their outlets open through the night will not be a problem for big malls as they already have a security set up, but owners of a lone shop or restaurant on the roadside may have to think hard on remaining open at late hours.
Amit Rokade, Floor Manager, Phoenix High Street, Parel
We welcome this proposal wholeheartedly. While retailers will have a choice of remaining open until 11pm, all food and beverages outlets will be open until 3am.
Security is not an issue as we already have sufficient measures with four to five-hour shifts all through the day and night.
We are optimistic that this step will be a big boost to business in general.
Teresa Lazarus, former airline manager
Of course, we welcome this step since those working in the suburbs — especially where Goregaon and Malad are the hubs — can have a choice when it comes to dining out or catching a bite after a night shift.
Before, we had to go to small eateries near railway stations or go to the airport which has 24/7 restaurants.
Now we have the choice of eating at good outlets nearer to one’s office. The government has taken an appropriate step to implement this plan at the right places in Mumbai.
My husband and I often meet up with friends over dinner during weekends and now it would be even more pleasant because there is no deadline for restaurants to shut down by 11 pm or so. People won’t mind hanging out now.
When New York and London can have a nightlife, why not Mumbai? Truly, the city rarely sleeps and I have observed that the city gets really quiet only between 3am and 4am. Most of the time, people are stuck in traffic. What better way than stopping midway to bite into a snack.
Security and transport are fairly good compared to other cities in India but finding cabs, especially fleet taxis, at odd hours may be a problem. Perhaps, authorities should take a look at this issue.
Laxman Kothari, jewellery shop owner
This is an excellent idea as it will improve business and create jobs, at a time when many youths continue to be unemployed, and also give a lift to tourism.
Those benefitting from this move will be malls, eateries, hotels and the entertainment industry which will attract people from all over Maharashtra.
Tourists or visitors coming into Mumbai for short visits can now enjoy shopping at night in malls and select stores.
However some shops, including mine, can’t be open 24/7 as there would be a problem of hiring more staff, including for security. As it is, our shop in Chembur is open until 9.30pm and I’m not sure whether customers will come for late night jewellery shopping.
Nevertheless, I think this plan will take Mumbai to international standards.
