A reveller with her pet during New Year celebrations at Koramangala.
Credit: DH PHOTO/PUSHKAR V
The neon lights of Bengaluru’s premier party hubs masked a night of mixed fortunes for the city’s beverage industry as it ushered in 2026.
While suburban bars in Bagalur and Koramangala celebrated a housefull night, establishments in the Central Business District (CBD) struggled against stringent police regulations and a notably non-static crowd.
The crowd this year was comparatively thinner than last year’s celebrations and was kept in constant motion by a strong police presence. While this ensured safety, it proved a nightmare for businesses in the heart of the city.
“The crowd was purely flowing; police didn’t allow anyone to stand or gather near our entrance. If people can’t stop, they don’t enter,” said a manager of a popular pub adjacent to the MG Road Metro. Access through Brigade Road was strictly one-way, meaning those who walked down could not return, cutting off the usual late-night walk-ins.
Koramangala packed
In Koramangala, the atmosphere was more electric as thousands gathered on Wednesday night. Pubs were seen packed to capacity, with a heavy presence of both police personnel and private bouncers managing the influx.
While many venues operated on an advance-booking-only basis, a few offered on-spot entry at a steep premium. “On-spot prices at a pub hit Rs 3,499 for stag men, Rs 2,499 for women, and Rs 4,000 for couples,” reported one party goer.
Price hikes and ‘Desperation’
In Indiranagar and Hebbal, bar owners noted a trend of encashing people’s eagerness to party. While some establishments maintained nominal menu rates, many were called out for charging skyrocketing prices especially at CBD areas like Church Street, MG Road and Brigade Road.
A ground visit to CBD areas revealed several bars completely overcharging. One reveller lamented, “They were just charging whatever they wanted because the demand was high.” In Bagalur and Kalyan Nagar, however, owners reported good vibes and good business, noting they had employed extra staff to control the crowd.
Despite the high-tech police monitoring using drones and AI heat maps, basic civic amenities were non-existent. The lack of movable toilets became a major concern as many people were seen urinating in public near major hot spots.