Football fans in Maharashtra will be able to make a late night of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with the state government allowing restaurants, hotels and eateries to remain open until 4 am on July 20.
The special relaxation in operating hours is aimed at giving fans across the state an opportunity to gather at hospitality venues and watch one of the biggest sporting events in the world without establishments having to close at their usual hours.
The Maharashtra government granted the one-time extension following a request from the Mumbai chapter of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), which had sought longer operating hours for hospitality establishments on the night of the much-awaited football final.
The permission, however, comes with a set of conditions covering security, noise restrictions and public order.
One-time relaxation for World Cup final night
The Maharashtra Home Department issued the order under Section 33 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, granting eligible establishments permission to operate until 4 am on July 20.
The relaxation is specifically linked to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final and is intended to accommodate the large number of football enthusiasts expected to watch the match at restaurants, hotels and other venues.
Major international football matches often draw late-night crowds at restaurants and sports-viewing venues, particularly when kick-off times fall outside regular business hours. The extended deadline will give establishments in Maharashtra additional time to host screenings and serve customers through the final.
For restaurants and hotels, the decision could also provide a significant boost on what is expected to be one of the busiest nights for sports viewing.
Security arrangements mandatory
While allowing businesses to remain open longer, the state government has placed responsibility on establishment owners to ensure that celebrations remain safe and orderly.
Restaurants, hotels and eateries taking advantage of the extended hours have been instructed to deploy adequate private security personnel both inside and outside their premises.
The security arrangements are intended to prevent crowd-related problems and ensure that no law and order situation develops during or after the match.
Owners and operators have also been warned that they will be held responsible for any untoward incident or criminal activity occurring within or around their establishments.
Any violation of the conditions attached to the relaxation could invite action from the authorities.
The Home Department has directed all concerned authorities to maintain strict security arrangements during the extended operating period.
Noise rules remain firmly in place
The permission to stay open until 4 am does not mean establishments have been given unrestricted freedom to use loudspeakers or high-volume sound systems through the night.
The government has made it mandatory for participating establishments to comply with all applicable provisions of the Noise Pollution Rules.
They will also have to follow directions issued by the Supreme Court and High Courts concerning loudspeakers and sound amplification systems.
The restriction could be particularly relevant for venues planning large screenings, where cheering crowds and amplified commentary may generate significant noise during late-night hours.
Businesses will therefore have to balance the excitement surrounding the World Cup final with existing regulations designed to limit disturbance to nearby residents.
Only enclosed establishments covered by relaxation
The government has clarified that the extended operating hours will apply only to establishments functioning within enclosed buildings or spaces.
This means the special permission is not a blanket relaxation for all outdoor events or open-air venues.
Local police authorities have also been given the power to deny the benefit of extended hours in specific areas if they believe it is necessary because of the prevailing law and order situation.
The provision allows police to assess local conditions and impose restrictions where large gatherings or other circumstances could pose security concerns.
