Siddarth Sethia
Bengaluru City Police have issued a comprehensive set of guidelines for hotels,pubs,clubs,bars and restaurants hosting live screenings of the FIFA World Cup 2026, warning that organisers will face legal action for any violations or law and order issues during the tournament.
The memorandum,issued by Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh,IPS, will remain in force from July 14 to July 20, 2026,and aims to ensure public safety and prevent untoward incidents during the international football event being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Police have directed all establishments to strictly adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and obtain all necessary permissions from the competent authorities before organising screening events.
As per the guidelines,live screening will be permitted only inside the venue, and organisers have been barred from setting up LED screens or sound systems facing public roads or outdoor areas.
Serving liquor outside the licensed premises or to people waiting outside has also been prohibited.
The advisory imposes a complete ban on betting, including online betting, and police stations have been instructed to closely monitor and gather intelligence on illegal betting activities.
Hotels,pubs and restaurants have also been directed not to exceed their permitted operating hours.
Organisers must ensure that ticket and pass distribution does not exceed the venue’s seating capacity and are prohibited from conducting events in basements, parking areas or terraces to accommodate additional crowds.
To strengthen security, venues have been instructed to install functional CCTV cameras covering entrances, exits, parking areas and event spaces, maintain DVR recordings,deploy adequate private security personnel—including women security guards—and conduct gender-appropriate frisking of visitors.
The guidelines also prohibit weapons,smoke bombs, fireworks,large bags and hard containers inside venues.
Fire safety equipment must be installed,and smoking should be allowed only in designated areas.Organisers have also been directed to ensure that alcohol is neither served nor sold to minors.
Where celebrities,DJs or performers are part of the event, their details must be shared in advance with the jurisdictional police station.
Parking arrangements must be made within the premises,and vehicles should not be allowed to park on public roads.
The advisory further directs venue management to immediately alert local police about any information related to the consumption,sale or storage of narcotic substances and to report any untoward incident by calling the Namma 112 emergency helpline or the local police station.
The Bengaluru Police warned that organisers would be held accountable and appropriate legal action would be initiated if any illegal activity or law and order issue occurs during FIFA World Cup screening events.
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge Following a request made by the National Restaurant Association of India to @CMofKarnataka,the Government has permitted hotels and restaurants in Bengaluru to extend their service hours from 1:00 am to 3:30 am on July 14,15 and 19.
Football fans can now come together and enjoy the late-night match screenings responsibly.
This relaxation is strictly limited to the specified dates. All establishments must comply with the attached operational guidelines.
Public safety,law & order,and the convenience of citizens remain our highest priorities.
I urge fellow football fans and all establishments to celebrate responsibly,follow every guideline and extend full cooperation to the authorities.Any violation or lapse will invite strict action.
All of us need to be responsible,be responsive and be respectful.
