Retailers welcome extended closing hours for retail stores & restaurants in Maharashtra

New Delhi, Jan 30 (KNN) The Retailers Association of India (RAI) has welcomed Maharashtra government’s decision to extend the closing timings of retail stores and restaurants till 11 PM and 1 AM.

Commenting on the announcement by the Government of Maharashtra, Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO,  Retailers Association of India (RAI) said, “Members of Retailers Association of India welcome the announcement by the Government of Maharashtra to permit retail stores and restaurants to be operational for longer hours till 11PM. This is a win-win all around for consumers, businesses and the government.’’

‘’This step will provide consumers with the flexibility to shop as per their convenience and longer operational hours will also help in adhering to the social distancing norms. This will also help the retail industry recover faster as retailers will be able to do more business. The government too will benefit from the increased tax collection,” he added.

The Maharashtra Government on Friday issued a directive allowing restaurants and shops to remain open till 1 am and 11 pm, respectively. Up until now, restaurants were allowed to remain open only till 11 pm, while shops could remain open till 10 pm.