You can drink, but don't drive on New Year

Metro to extend services till 2 am; cautions against misbehaviour

You can party till you drop on the New Year eve, but can’t drive drunk. While bars and pubs have been allowed to be open till 1 am on December 31, there will be no relaxation in drunken driving curbs for the New Year revellers.

 “There is no restriction on the mugs revellers gulp down. All they have to ensure is that they don’t drive. Let them get their drivers or friends fit to drive,” Jyothiprakash Mirji, Commissioner of Police, said.

The Excise Department has mandated that the owners should obtain special permission by paying Rs 11,500 as fee. Excise Minister M P Renukacharya told reporters that the jurisdictional deputy commissioners had been authorised to issue the special licences. Four hundred such licences were issued last year, he added.

Seven-point guideline

Namma Metro will extend its services till 2 am, however, with a few restrictions. People returning from parties after consuming alcohol can take the Metro back home, but they are not allowed to indulge in misbehaviour. BMRCL has issued a seven-point guideline in this regard.

Metro spokesperson B S Chavan said the punishments for violations may run up to a fine of Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 and/or a 10-year imprisonment for misbehaviour.
“Any person causing hindrance to the operations or seen troubling fellow passengers will not only be fined but also maybe blacklisted to travel for a short period of time,” Chavan added.

Carrying dangerous or offensive material, obstructing a Metro official from discharging duty, hurting or attempt to hurt fellow passengers and damaging Metro property are not allowed.

Preparations

With just three days left for the New Year, pubs and clubs have begun preparations to entertain revellers. Exotic food, a wide range of drinks and the best of DJ’s top the list of inclusions. Skyye Bar in UB City will have DJ Yves Laock at the party. Bala, Operations Manager, said there would be a laser show too. “The entry fee of Rs 12,000 for a couple includes unlimited premium brands, starters and the main course,” he added.

Also, NYE 2012 by Shiro at the UB City is planning to have a party beginning 9 pm, DJ set by Prashanth and Simran. ‘Hollywood Limited’ featuring DJs Chetan and Norman Doray is at the pizzeria area. An entry fee of Rs 9,000 a couple includes unlimited alcohol. Besides, a separate arrangement has been made for kids aged below eight.  

The Biere Club on Lavelle Road will remain open till 1 am. “We have our resident DJ Aku with us that night,” said its manager Vishal. Entry fee per head will be Rs 3,500 and includes unlimited imported drinks.