Bengaluru Police chief asks pubs, hotels to strictly follow safety rules ahead of New Year
Bengaluru: With New Year celebrations approaching, City Police commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh has directed pubs, hotels and event venues to strictly comply with safety norms and ensure that festivities are conducted within the bounds of the law.
The directions were issued on Friday during a coordination meeting with owners and representatives of pubs, hotels and event venues, convened to maintain law and order and safeguard public safety during the celebrations, according to an official statement from the Commissioner’s office.
Singh stressed that organisers must obtain all mandatory permissions from the relevant authorities before hosting events and adhere to every condition specified in the approvals. He underlined that prescribed closing times for New Year events must be followed without exception. Permissions for using sound systems are compulsory, and noise levels should remain within the limits set by law.
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The Police Commissioner said tickets or entry passes should be issued strictly as per the approved capacity of the venue and warned that serving alcohol to minors would attract strict action. He also emphasised thorough screening of all individuals entering venues and instructed organisers to immediately alert the police if any suspicious persons or objects are detected.
Fire safety was highlighted as a key concern, with Singh directing venues to ensure proper installation of fire safety equipment and take adequate precautions to prevent fire accidents or stampedes. At locations where large numbers of women are expected, deployment of women security personnel has been made mandatory. Frisking, he said, must be carried out by male staff for men and by female staff for women and children.
The advisory also calls for crowd control measures at entry and exit points, parking areas and within the premises to avoid overcrowding. CCTV cameras must be installed inside venues, with footage preserved for at least 30 days. Where possible, road-facing cameras should be linked to the Police Command Centre.
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Singh said any information related to the use, sale or storage of narcotic substances must be immediately shared with the nearest police station. Smoking has been prohibited inside event venues except in designated areas, and organisers have been instructed to prominently display “No Smoking” and “No Narcotic Substances” signboards.
Illegal private parties, including rave parties, will not be permitted, the Commissioner warned. He added that in the event of any disturbance, police must be informed at once and troublemakers removed to prevent disruption on public roads.
The police also directed organisers to display QR codes issued by the Bengaluru City Police at visible locations for public access. Any violations of the guidelines will invite legal action against both organisers and owners or managers of the premises.
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Calling public safety a shared responsibility, Singh urged venue owners and organisers to cooperate fully with the police and act responsibly so that citizens can welcome the New Year safely and without incident.
Meanwhile, citing safety concerns and the expected surge in crowds on the night of December 31, 2025, the Greater Bengaluru Authority has ordered the temporary closure of all parks and lakes under the Bengaluru West City Corporation after 6 pm that day. The authority said the decision will be implemented in coordination with the police, with appropriate signage put up in public places.
(with inputs from agencies)
