The Karnataka government has allowed hotels and restaurants in Bengaluru to serve food until 3.30 am, up from the usual 1 am cut-off, on July 14, 15 and 19 to enable late-night screenings of FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals and final matches.
The relaxation, announced by Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, follows a meeting where representatives from the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), Karnataka State Hotels Association and the Bengaluru City Hotel Association, requested the CM to allow longer operating hours on the three specified dates.
The remaining fixtures kick off at 12.30 am India time. Industry representatives had argued that screenings run until roughly 2.30 am, making the existing 1 am closing deadline unworkable for venues hosting them.
“Football inspires millions across the world, and the FIFA World Cup is a celebration that fans eagerly look forward to. Following a request from the National Restaurant Association of India, our government has permitted hotels and restaurants in Bengaluru to extend food service timings from 1am to 3.30am on July 14, 15 and 19 to facilitate late-night match screenings,” Shivakumar wrote on X.
He said the decision was taken while ensuring that public safety, law and order and the convenience of citizens remained the government’s highest priorities. “I urge everyone to enjoy the matches responsibly and extend full cooperation to the authorities,” he added.
The move hands the city’s hospitality industry an additional 2.5 hours of trading on three of the tournament’s biggest nights.