Nightlife in India’s IT hub just got a boost. Now, people can spend a few more hours at their favourite watering holes as Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has extended the closing time for establishments to 1am in Bengaluru.
The excise commissioner in a notification that was released on Thursday said that clubs, star hotels, eateries and bars can conduct business from 10 am to 1 am starting from July 15.
Siddaramaiah tweeted: "Restaurants and bars permitted to stay open till 1am in Bengaluru. Hope citizens enjoy the extended hours responsibly."
Restaurants and bars permitted to stay open till 1am in Bengaluru. Hope citizens enjoy the extended hours responsibly.
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) July 15, 2016
The extended hours are valid until further orders from the department, reported TOI.
Until now, eateries, clubs and bars were open only till 11:30pm from Monday to Thursday and up to 1 am from Friday to Saturday.
The police department welcomes the move, reported The Times of India.
“We recently extended the deadline for eateries to 1am throughout the week. We don't think pubs and bars staying open till 1am would be a problem,” city police commissioner NS Megharik said.
While pub owners are excited about the extension, they say that they would remain open only if the patrons want them to.
“Even when the deadline was extended to 1am for weekends, it took time for crowds to trickle in. We will adopt a wait-and-watch policy to see how Bengaluru reacts to the change. If patrons want to stick around, we will remain open. If not, we'll wind up at the usual time,” said Siddarth Poojari, founder and CEO of City Bar, Glass House and Indian Kitchen.