'Nightlife now a global trend'

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said nightlife has become a global trend and Bengaluru, too, has to keep up with the times.

Speaking at an interaction with journalists on Saturday, Siddaramaiah justified his government’s decision to extend the business hours of clubs, star hotels and bars till 1 am on all the days of the week. “It is a global trend and is happening everywhere,” he said.

He said the decision to extend nightlife was taken also keeping in mind the needs of the booming Information Technology and Bio-Technology (IT and BT) sector in the city.

“Those working in the IT and BT sector usually get free time only after midnight. The decision was taken after extensive consultation with the police, excise department and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike,” Siddaramaiah said. In a notification on Thursday, the excise commissioner allowed clubs, star hotels and bars to function from 9 am to 1 am on all days of the week. Hitherto, these establishments had to down their shutters by 11.30 pm, barring Friday and Saturday (1 am deadline).

The chief minister said the extended nightlife in the city will be monitored closely. “If required, we will make changes keeping in mind safety and other aspects,” the chief minister said.