JOIN USHome Minister K J George has said his ministry has received suggestions to keep restaurants, bars and pubs in the City's five-star hotels open 24 hours, seven days a week.
“The suggestion has come from various departments, including tourism, to keep the eateries, coffee shops, bars and pubs of five-star hotels open for 24 hours. This is just a suggestion, not a decision,” said George, adding that the decision will be taken after a meeting with the stakeholders and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The minister also said the decision was not his alone; it required approvals from the Bengaluru City police commissioner, the Excise Department and others.
He said the suggestion has come in light of departments considering the global image of Bengaluru.
“There is a feeling that it will assist Bengaluru’s image if at least five-star hotels' pubs and bars along with their eateries and coffee shops remain open 24 hours a day. With the City attracting a lot of foreign crowd, the extension of nightlife is being considered. But the final call will be taken only if the chief minister and the Excise Department approve it,” the home minister said.
At present, the Bengaluru City Police have extended the deadline for nightlife to 1 am on weekends and 11:30 pm on weekdays.