<p>New Year’s Eve revellers seem to have got the better of cash shortage by making digital payments at pubs, bars and restaurants. Watering holes and eateries made brisk business as the last day of the year wound up. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Most people who booked slots for the New Year’s Eve party at a popular cafe in southern Bengaluru paid online or by credit/debit card, according to a staffer. Coconut Grove, a popular restaurant on Church Street, saw a good crowd despite few cash transactions, said its manager, Arvind D. “All customers paid by card,” he added. <br /><br />Malls, too, were crowded and stayed open till 1 am. Garuda Mall, in central Bengaluru, which closes by 10 pm on other days, remained open till 1 am. <br /><br />Some Bengalureans, however, gave outdoor parties a miss and instead opted for house get-togethers to save costs on account of cash shortage. Vijay N, a resident of Jayanagar, said that he didn’t travel with friends on New Year’s Eve and was instead hosting a house party to cut down on expenses. <br /><br />Ruam Mukherjee, a resident of Cooke Town, said, “I don’t like big fat New Year’s Eve parties but prefer spending time with people who matter to me. House parties also help to cut costs.” <br /><br />PM ‘lets down’ guzzlers <br />At Church Street Social, a pub in Koramangala, more than 50 people were watching with bated breath Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled speech on television on Saturday evening. The pub had an offer: every time the prime minister uttered his favourite word ‘Mitron’, patrons would get a shot glass of beer at just Rs 31. But to their disappointment, Modi didn’t oblige them. The offer was available at the pub chain’s all branches in Bengaluru where the speech was screened live.</p>
<p>New Year’s Eve revellers seem to have got the better of cash shortage by making digital payments at pubs, bars and restaurants. Watering holes and eateries made brisk business as the last day of the year wound up. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Most people who booked slots for the New Year’s Eve party at a popular cafe in southern Bengaluru paid online or by credit/debit card, according to a staffer. Coconut Grove, a popular restaurant on Church Street, saw a good crowd despite few cash transactions, said its manager, Arvind D. “All customers paid by card,” he added. <br /><br />Malls, too, were crowded and stayed open till 1 am. Garuda Mall, in central Bengaluru, which closes by 10 pm on other days, remained open till 1 am. <br /><br />Some Bengalureans, however, gave outdoor parties a miss and instead opted for house get-togethers to save costs on account of cash shortage. Vijay N, a resident of Jayanagar, said that he didn’t travel with friends on New Year’s Eve and was instead hosting a house party to cut down on expenses. <br /><br />Ruam Mukherjee, a resident of Cooke Town, said, “I don’t like big fat New Year’s Eve parties but prefer spending time with people who matter to me. House parties also help to cut costs.” <br /><br />PM ‘lets down’ guzzlers <br />At Church Street Social, a pub in Koramangala, more than 50 people were watching with bated breath Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled speech on television on Saturday evening. The pub had an offer: every time the prime minister uttered his favourite word ‘Mitron’, patrons would get a shot glass of beer at just Rs 31. But to their disappointment, Modi didn’t oblige them. The offer was available at the pub chain’s all branches in Bengaluru where the speech was screened live.</p>
