Hyderabad can spend a little extra time partying and welcoming 2017, as the Telangana government extended the closing time for wine shops and bars across the state on Friday.
According to an order issued by Somesh Kumar, secretary of Revenue (Excise-II) department, licence holders of bars, and hosts of in-house events can serve liquor up to 1 am on December 31, while retail shops can remain open until midnight.
However, the Hyderabad police is taking no chances and planning to take strict action against drunk drivers and over-speeding offenders.
They have warned party organisers not to serve liquor to minors and also asked them to ensure that CCTV cameras with recording facility are installed at all the entry and exit points including the parking lots of the place.
The instructions are mainly for the managements of 3 Star and above hotels, clubs and pubs.
Police has also warned against the use of drugs, narcotics and psychotropic substances during parties.
However, if the managements fail to prevent such acts, strict action will be taken against them.
Deccan Chronicle quoted an official release saying, "Decency of apparel, dance, acts, gestures and words have to be ensured by the organisers. There should not be any obscenity and nudity in any performance and the sound should be maintained at 45 decibels or less. No firearms should be allowed into the events."
They have also informed the management to hire an adequate number of security guards.
The locations are also expected to display an advisory on alcohol limits and drunk driving punishments.
In addition, roads on the Outer Ring Road (ORR) and highways will be closed between 11pm and 5am on New Year's Eve. However, those travelling from the RGI airport will be allowed to use the road.
The PVNR Expressway and all other flyovers will also be closed to the general public at this time.