The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has welcomed the decision by the governments of Karnataka, Telangana and Delhi to extend operating hours for licensed restaurants and hospitality establishments during the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place play-off and final.
The approvals, granted following representations by NRAI’s state chapters, allowed restaurants, cafés, pubs, bars, clubs and microbreweries to remain open longer to host live screenings of the tournament, providing a boost to the hospitality sector and the night-time economy.
According to the association, the extended operating hours helped drive higher footfalls and business for restaurants while generating additional demand for allied sectors such as transport, ride-hailing, food supply, logistics and local employment.
To support the initiative, NRAI issued operational advisories to member establishments, urging compliance with responsible alcohol service, crowd management protocols, guest safety measures, neighbourhood harmony and cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
Commenting on the development, Sagar Daryani, President, NRAI, said the approvals acknowledge the restaurant industry’s growing contribution to tourism, employment and local economies, while reflecting the confidence of state governments in the sector’s ability to host large public events responsibly.
NRAI said it will continue engaging with policymakers to advocate for measures that strengthen India’s hospitality ecosystem and support the growth of the organised food and beverage industry.
