JOIN USIt is now official. Bars and pubs in Bengaluru will remain open till 1 am throughout the week, with the Excise Department on Thursday issuing an order in this regard.
The new order, though said to be for a year, does not have a definite time frame. “Until further orders,” is what it said.
Resident welfare associations, however, expressed apprehension about the government’s decision and said it could lead to a law and order problem. With little choice, the city police said they will intensify patrolling to avoid untoward incidents.
A senior police officer who did not wish to be named said: “We have received an official order. Along with regular patrolling, we will direct the jurisdictional stations to conduct intense patrolling in their areas.”
“The control room will also be asked to keep a tight vigil on the patrolling vehicles to make sure they are on rounds constantly. It is an added responsibility and more work. Policemen will have to be more alert and ensure this extension of deadline does not affect the public,” the officer said.
The police have also requested the public to alert the control room if they notice anti-social activities near bars and pubs. “People who indulge in untoward incidents in or near watering holes will be dealt with an iron hand,’’ an officer said.
The public has a different take on the nightlife extension order, with a few believing it was done to benefit the state government.
Mohan Kumar, a shopkeeper, said, “For the past two years, the Excise Department did not meet its target. Extending nightlife to all weekdays will help the government generate enough revenue.’’ He, however, cautioned that the move will “act as a catalyst in increasing the crime rate and accidents”.
D S Rajshekar, president, Federation of North-East Residents Welfare Association, said the 1am deadline may be welcomed by youth. “For senior citizens, it is definitely a nuisance. Accidents might also increase as the police force is not strong enough.”
Some said bars and pubs located in residential areas should not be allowed to function beyond 11 pm. “The 1 am deadline is acceptable in Central Business District areas. Residents are already facing problems in residential areas like Indiranagar where there are numerous pubs,” said Vikram Mulki, president, Defence Colony Residents Welfare Association.