Why can't bars, pubs in Telangana stay open as part of round-the-clock shopping?

HYDERABAD: Since the Telangana Government issued orders allowing shops and establishments to be open 24 hours a day, there has been some debate on whether this GO applies to all shops and establishments, including bars, pubs and wine shops.

However, the state administration clarified on Sunday that not all shops and establishments could remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and that only those with state government's clearance could do so.

"The Telangana government, hereby, issues guidelines for granting exemption from Section 7 (opening and closing hours) of the Telangana Shops and Establishments Act 1988 to all shops and establishments as defined in Section 2 (21) of the Telangana Shops and Establishments Act 1988 for operating 24x7 in the State," according to the labour department's order.

According to the government's clarification, the government order of April 4, 2023 is not applicable to liquor stores that fall under the jurisdiction of the Excise and Prohibition Department. Precisely, for this reason, the bars and the pubs, and wine shops cannot stay open round-the-clock.

Telangana State Beverages Corporation Limited (TSBCL), Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) depots, distilleries, breweries, A4 Shops and 2B bars would be open only during designated business hours in accordance with excise rules and regulations.

The government also issued specific regulations mandating employers to provide ID cards, weekly offs, fixed weekly hours, overtime wages where applicable, compensatory holidays with wages in lieu of employees reporting for duty on a notified national festival or holiday, ensure female employees' safety, their consent to work night shifts, and transportation to and from work because opening an establishment 24x7 requires a significant amount of additional manpower.