Karnataka government mulls extending Bengaluru pub hours

The Karnataka government is considering extending the operating hours of pubs, microbreweries, and other business establishments in Bengaluru. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, speaking in the Karnataka Legislative Council on March 20, expressed support for allowing businesses to remain open for longer hours, citing the city’s international workforce and late-night economic activity.

"Bengaluru is an international city where people work late for global clients. We need to ensure a lively atmosphere," he said. He added that discussions with the Home and Excise Ministers would be held to explore possible changes to the current time restrictions.

Currently, pubs in Bengaluru are required to close by 11:30 pm, with limited exceptions allowing some liquor outlets to operate until 1 am. However, concerns have been raised about businesses operating beyond legal hours, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member HS Gopinath calling for stricter enforcement, arguing that existing rules have led to corruption.

Excise Minister RB Thimmapur said that 11 cases had been registered against establishments violating operational deadlines in the last three years. 

In November last year, restaurant owners in Bengaluru sought approval from the city’s police commissioner to operate 24x7. Although the government had permitted round-the-clock operations, several owners alleged that police authorities continued to impose nighttime restrictions.