Pramesh S Jain
Ahead of New Year celebrations,the Bengaluru City Police have issued a comprehensive set of guidelines for pub and bar owners to ensure public safety,law and order,and smooth conduct of festivities across the city.
According to the police,all establishments must strictly adhere to the permitted closing time,generally by 1.00 am or as notified,and stop serving liquor and playing music beyond the allowed hours.
Owners have been warned against overcrowding and have been directed to follow the approved seating and occupancy limits to prevent chaos or stampede-like situations.
The police have made it mandatory to enforce age restrictions,clearly stating that minors should not be allowed entry or served alcohol.Identity verification of customers has been made compulsory.
To curb road accidents,pubs and bars have been asked not to encourage drunken driving.Warning boards must be displayed and customers should be encouraged to use taxis or designated drivers.
Security and surveillance remain a key focus,with instructions to ensure functional CCTV cameras at entry, exit and common areas.
Deployment of adequate trained and registered private security personnel,including women security staff,has been made mandatory,especially to address women’s safety concerns.
Strict directions have also been issued on noise control, asking establishments to maintain music volume within permissible decibel limits and avoid disturbance to nearby residential areas.
The police have reiterated a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs,illegal activities,unauthorised events,rave parties or promotional schemes such as “unlimited alcohol”offers.
The use of firecrackers,inflammable materials or weapons inside premises has been completely banned.
Establishments must comply with fire safety norms, keep emergency exits accessible,maintain fire extinguishers and emergency lighting,and ensure staff are trained in basic fire response and first aid.
Pub and bar owners have been directed to cooperate fully with police inspections, share CCTV footage when required, and keep liquor stock and licence records updated for verification.
Additional instructions include regulated parking arrangements,proper queue management with barricades,staggered exit plans after closing hours to avoid traffic congestion,and display of emergency contact numbers of police,ambulance and fire services.
The Bengaluru City Police have warned that strict action will be taken against violators,including cancellation of licences,fines and legal proceedings.
Citizens have also been urged to celebrate responsibly and report any violations or emergencies to the police control room.
Police officials said the objective of the guidelines is to ensure that New Year celebrations remain safe,orderly and incident-free,safeguarding both revellers and the general public.
