Ahead of New Year’s Eve and New Year celebrations in Bengaluru, Karnataka, the city police have issued strict directions to hotels, pubs, commercial places and event organisers to avoid overcrowding and ensure that all celebrations end by 1 am.
City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said that venues must stop allowing entry once they reach their approved 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,” Times Of India quoted him as saying.
The commissioner said that music, chants or slogans used during celebrations should not hurt religious or social sentiments.
Firecrackers banned inside commercial premises
He also warned that using firecrackers or any explosive material inside commercial establishments is strictly banned, the report mentioned.
Police said that parties held at places without a permanent licence must apply for a temporary permit. These permits will be issued between 6 am on December 31 and 1 am on January 1. For emergencies, citizens have been asked to contact police control rooms at 100 or 112.
New Year’s Eve events to end by 1 am
As per the guidelines, all New Year’s Eve events must end by 1 am. Separate permission is needed for sound systems, and noise levels must remain within allowed limits. Entry beyond approved capacity is prohibited, and serving alcohol to minors will lead to strict action, the report said.
Mandatory security checks must be conducted for all guests. Any suspicious person or object should be immediately reported. Organisers have also been directed to put in place fire safety measures, anti-stampede arrangements and backup power systems, according to the report.
Venues must deploy women security staff wherever required. Frisking of women and children should be done only by female personnel. Overcrowding at entry and exit points, parking areas and nearby roads is not allowed, the report noted.
CCTV surveillance compulsory, footage to be stored
CCTV surveillance has been made compulsory, and footage must be stored for at least 30 days. Cameras facing roads should be linked to the police command centre. Any activity related to narcotics must be reported immediately.
Smoking will be allowed only in designated areas. Clear signs banning smoking and narcotic substances must be displayed. Roadside parking near venues has been banned, the report further said.
Pubs, bars and hotels have been told to ensure safe transport for guests after celebrations. Security guards must be PSARA-registered, carry valid ID cards, and details of DJs and bouncers must be shared with authorities in advance.
Police have also banned illegal private parties and rave events. Bengaluru City Police QR codes must be clearly displayed at all venues, the report added.