Karnataka, Telangana and Delhi Extend Restaurant Operating Hours During FIFA World Cup 2026 Following NRAI Representations

Approvals allow licensed hospitality establishments to host live screenings during the tournament's third-place play-off and final

The Governments of Karnataka, Telangana and Delhi, led by Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri A. Revanth Reddy, and Hon'ble Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta, respectively, have approved extended operating hours for licensed restaurants, cafés, pubs, bars, clubs, microbreweries and other hospitality establishments during the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place play-off and final.

The approvals were granted following representations submitted by the respective State Chapters of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI). According to the association, the decision enables hospitality establishments across the three states to host live screenings of the tournament, allowing football fans to watch the matches at organised venues.

NRAI stated that the extended operating hours also supported business activity for restaurants and benefited related sectors including transport, ride-hailing services, logistics, food supply and local employment during the event.

To support implementation, the association worked with its member establishments across the three states and issued advisories covering responsible alcohol service, crowd management, guest safety, neighbourhood harmony, and cooperation with law enforcement and regulatory authorities.

Highlighting the broader significance of the initiative for the hospitality industry, Sagar Daryani, President, National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), CEO & Co-founder, Wow! Momo said, "On behalf of NRAI and the restaurant industry, I would like to sincerely thank the Governments of Karnataka, Telangana and Delhi for responding positively to our representations and supporting the hospitality industry during the FIFA World Cup. These approvals recognise the growing contribution of India's restaurant and food & beverage industry to tourism, employment and local economies. More importantly, they reflect the trust placed in our industry to operate responsibly while serving consumers. We hope this becomes the beginning of many more such initiatives across the country. When government and industry work together, everyone benefits-businesses grow, jobs are created and consumers enjoy better experiences. NRAI looks forward to continuing to work closely with governments to strengthen India's hospitality sector."

NRAI stated that it will continue working with policymakers and stakeholders to support the responsible growth of India's restaurant and food & beverage industry while contributing to tourism, employment and local economic activity.