As the New Year approaches, Bengaluru police are stepping up preparations to ensure celebrations across the city remain safe and incident‑free. With parties, gatherings and late‑night festivities a typical
feature of New Year’s Eve, authorities have now issued detailed guidelines for pubs, restaurants and paying guest (PG) accommodations to prevent accidents and maintain public order.
Police officials will hold meetings at the police station level, where inspectors will brief venue owners on the necessary safety measures. These directives, framed under the Karnataka Public Safety Act, are aimed at protecting residents and visitors during one of the city’s busiest nights of the year. Failure to comply could lead to strict legal action against owners and organisers.
In addition to existing venue rules, Bengaluru Police have made clear that events lacking proper permissions or safety checks will face legal consequences, reinforcing the importance of crowd and fire safety measures well in advance of celebrations.
Safety Measures for PG Accomodations
PG accommodations have been placed under close scrutiny due to the potential for overcrowding and unmonitored celebrations. PG owners must maintain a detailed ledger recording the exact arrival and departure times of residents. Partying on terraces will be monitored, and newcomers or strangers should not be permitted into the premises on New Year’s Eve. The guidelines also prohibit cake‑cutting on roads outside PGs, and male visitors will not be permitted to greet female residents. PG owners will be held responsible for any untoward incidents occurring on their premises.
Guidelines for Pubs and Restaurants
Bars, pubs and restaurants must ensure strict crowd management and security protocols. Proper lighting and installation of high‑quality CCTV cameras with backup footage are mandatory, particularly in areas frequented by women, entrances, dance floors and parking spaces. All guests will undergo baggage and luggage checks to prevent entry of weapons, explosives, or narcotics. Separate entry and exit points should be created, and metal detectors used where necessary. Venues must also obtain fire safety clearance from the Fire Department, and service beyond permitted hours or exceeding approved capacity can lead to immediate closure or licence suspension.
Women bouncers are being encouraged to ensure the safety of female patrons, and staff are expected to escort any misbehaving guests home. Vehicle details of female visitors should also be recorded to help prevent untoward incidents. Loudspeakers can only be used with prior police permission, and noise levels must not disturb nearby residents.
Police are also preparing for targeted security operations during the New Year period, anticipating higher chances of crowding and drug use. Teams will conduct on‑the‑spot consumption tests, and suspicious cases may involve blood sampling and lab analysis.
Fire and emergency inspections have already been carried out across bars, pubs and clubs to ensure compliance with safety norms ahead of the festivities. By issuing these comprehensive guidelines — covering everything from fire safety clearances to surveillance and crowd control — Bengaluru Police aim to strike a balance between celebration and public safety. The objective is to allow residents and visitors to enjoy the New Year responsibly while minimising the risk of accidents, overcrowding and disruptions.
