Christmas and New Year: Festive Spirits Soar as Hospitality Industry Embraces Extended Celebrations

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1 Christmas and New Year: Festive Spirits Soar as Hospitality Industry Embraces Extended Celebrations

As the holiday season approaches Christmas and New Year, there’s a heartwarming development for party enthusiasts and revellers in the state. In a welcome move, the state home department issued a circular on Thursday night, approving hotels, permit rooms, and clubs to extend their operational hours until 5 am for Christmas and New Year parties. This decision, timely and encouraging, comes as a respite for those eager to usher in the festivities with late-night celebrations.

HRAWI’s Advocacy Triumphs

The Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI, representing owners of star hotels and premium restaurants, played a pivotal role in advocating for this extension. In a recent representation to key officials, including Radhika Rastogi (IAS), principal secretary of the home department, Rajnish Seth (IPS), director general of police, and Vivek Phansalkar (IPS), commissioner of police, Mumbai, the association sought an extension of timings for all food and beverage licensed establishments in the state. Their request for an extension until 5 am during the festive dates of December 24, 25, and 31, 2023, has been met with approval.

On regular days, establishments adhere to a 1:30 am deadline. However, for the three days of Christmas and New Year celebrations, this deadline has been graciously extended to 5 am, allowing hoteliers and partygoers the flexibility to plan elaborate celebrations well in advance.

HRAWI, with its commitment to safety, has assured the administration that its members will uphold stringent safety measures and adhere to protocols to ensure the well-being of guests, a practice they have diligently followed for decades. This pledge underscores the industry’s dedication to creating a secure and enjoyable environment for patrons during the festive season.

Festive Warmth and Welcome

“As we approach the joyous celebrations of Christmas and New Year, the hospitality industry looks forward to welcoming guests with open arms. We at HRAWI recognize the significance of these festive occasions while prioritizing the safety and comfort of our patrons. Restaurants are an integral part of Christmas and New Year celebrations,” expressed HRAWI president Pradeep Shetty in a communique to the press.

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“The season attracts a large number of tourists to cities and towns that celebrate Christmas and New Year c late into the night,” he added. The extension of operational timings is not only a boon for partygoers but is also expected to contribute to a higher influx of seasonal tourists to the state. This, in turn, would empower restaurants to plan attractive packages and programs, resulting in increased revenue for the state and additional employment opportunities.

“Our members, dedicated to safety, commit to upholding the highest standards during Christmas and New Year celebrations. This extension allows us to craft memorable experiences for guests during this special season,” emphasized Shetty. The assurance of safety aligns with the industry’s aim to foster a festive atmosphere, prioritizing the well-being of guests as a top priority during the joyous and celebratory Christmas and New Year festivities.

HRAWI: 72 Years of Hospitality

With a rich 72-year legacy, The Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI, stands as a stalwart representative of hotels and restaurants in western India. Its diverse membership spans restaurants to 5-star deluxe hotels, across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, and the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Affiliated with FHRAI, it remains a prominent voice in the hospitality industry, especially during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

This favourable decision by the state home department not only adds a touch of humanity to bureaucratic processes but also reflects a collaborative effort between the hospitality industry and the administration. In the spirit of Christmas and New Year, the extended operational hours provide an opportunity for people to come together, celebrate, and create lasting memories, reinforcing the importance of festive traditions in our lives. As the clock strikes 5 am during these festive nights, it symbolizes not just an extension of time but an extension of joy, camaraderie, and the human spirit coming alive in the warmth of celebration.

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