In a bid to ensure orderly and safe festivities, the Bengaluru City Police has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines for hotels, pubs, restaurants, and event organizers hosting New Year's Eve and New Year celebrations. The police have mandated that all parties must conclude by 1 am and strictly adhere to venue capacity limits.
Strict Rules on Crowds and Conduct
City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh emphasized that establishments must not allow crowds beyond their approved holding capacity. "If their venue is full, they must display a board, saying entry is closed. We have told them that they should not ask the revellers to wait outside or on the pavements," Singh stated in an interview.
The commissioner also cautioned against any content that could hurt public sentiment. The songs played or slogans shouted during celebrations must not offend religious or other feelings. Furthermore, the use of crackers or explosives inside commercial establishments is strictly prohibited.
Comprehensive Safety and Security Mandates
The police directive includes a detailed list of operational requirements for December 31st into January 1st:
- Separate permission is required for sound systems, and prescribed noise limits must be followed.
- Serving alcohol to minors is banned.
- Security screening is mandatory for all entrants, and suspicious persons or objects must be reported immediately.
- Venues must implement fire safety measures, anti-stampede protocols, and have backup power arrangements.
- Women security staff must be deployed where required, and frisking of women and children must be conducted by female staff only.
- Overcrowding at entry, exit, and parking areas is prohibited.
Surveillance, Parking, and Anti-Narcotics Measures
The guidelines place strong emphasis on surveillance and traffic management. CCTV cameras are mandatory, with footage to be stored for 30 days. Cameras facing roads must be linked to the police command centre. Any narcotics-related activity must be reported to the police without delay.
Smoking will be allowed only in designated areas, with 'No Smoking/No Narcotic Substances' signage displayed prominently. To prevent traffic chaos, roadside parking has been prohibited. Additionally, pubs, bars, and hotels have been instructed to ensure the safe return of their guests.
Licensing and Enforcement
The police have clarified that parties planned at unlicensed venues must obtain a temporary licence from the concerned authorities. This licence will be valid from 6 am on December 31 until 1 am on January 1.
All security personnel must be registered under the Private Security Agencies Regulation Act (PSARA), with their IDs and details of DJs and bouncers submitted to the police in advance. The police have explicitly banned illegal private and rave parties. For public awareness, Bengaluru City Police QR codes must be prominently displayed at all venues.
For any emergencies during the celebrations, the public can contact the police at the helpline numbers 100 or 112.
