Deadline Extended To 1AM Throughout The Week For All Bengaluru Pubs And Bars

Bengaluru’s night life just got much more vibrant. The home and excise departments have cleared a proposal which will allow bars and pubs in Bengaluru to be open till 1AM. Excise Minister SY Meti confirmed that the proposal will be in effect for one year and the final order for the same will be issued soon. 

Extending Deadlines

The deadline for closure for all pubs, bars and eateries were set for 11:30pm during the weekdays and 1AM on Friday and Saturday, since March of 2014. This new proposal will extend the deadline for all eating and drinking establishments till 1AM giving the party-goers of Bengaluru convenient options to drink or eat until late into the night. Speaking to The Hindu regarding the new proposal, Excise Commissioner N.S. Megharik said, “After the city police commissioner assured of adequate security, I have recommended to the government to extend the deadline till 1 a.m. on all days. The government is expected to take a call on the issue soon.” 

Party For The Week

The new proposal was mulled over by top officials, including the excise minister, during meetings which occured on July 8th. The proposal was discussed and was forwarded to the chief minister for final approval. “I have sent a proposal to the government. It is under the government’s consideration,” said SR Umashankar, Commissioner of State Excise Department, speaking to Bangalore Mirror. Although the proposal has been sent for review, bar owners are cautious about the final approval of the order. “We want to wait for the government order before rejoicing. We welcome the fact that the government finally thinks of us as a mature society, which can handle a late night deadline for bars,” said Ashish Kothare, President of Association of Bar and Restaurant, Bengaluru. 

Creating Nuisance 

Although the new proposal is welcomed by the partygoes and pub hoppers of Bengaluru, residents in areas such as Indiranagar and Koramangala, hotspots for pubs and bars, have expressed concern over the noise levels, crimes and traffic jams if the proposal is passed. Speaking to The Hindu, Sneha Nandihal, member of the Indiranagar Residents’ Welfare association, said, “The issue is so severe that some of us have got our bedrooms soundproofed. It is unfair that we are expected to bear this nuisance every day.” Koramangala, which is known for its pubs and bars, will likely face major problems if the proposal is launched. Nithin Sheshadhri of the Koramangala RWA, said, “The government should take a more nuanced view. We will oppose the move as this will only worsen our situation.”