<p>Bengaluru: With thousands expected to ring in the New Year across Bengaluru on Tuesday night, pubs, restaurants, and civic authorities are making extensive preparations to ensure a smooth and safe celebration for all.</p><p>Pubs and breweries in popular areas like MG Road, Kalyan Nagar, and the Central Business District (CBD) are imposing cover charges ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000, redeemable on food and beverages. Managers explain this as a strategy to manage crowds and ensure better accountability.</p>.Bengaluru Traffic Police set up restrictions, special drives for NYE celebrations.<p>"The cover charge ensures people spend money and discourages those who might loiter around. It also helps us maintain records of visitors and restrict the crowd," said a manager of a popular brewery.</p><p>Security has been tightened at entrances and inside venues to prevent untoward incidents. Additionally, some establishments have hired extra valet drivers to drop off inebriated patrons. Drop-off charges will be privately negotiated between the driver and the customer, though many party-goers are expected to rely on cab services.</p>.<p><strong>Last-minute bookings</strong> </p><p>Despite the preparations, demand has exceeded expectations.</p><p>Many party-goers were seen queueing for last-minute bookings at prominent pubs, with mixed results.</p><p>Kishan Roy, an IT professional, shared his experience: "I visited at least 10 pubs around MG Road for a booking, but all tickets were sold out."</p><p>For those avoiding crowded venues, house parties and Bring Your Own Booze (BYOB) gatherings remain popular. Farmhouses and private bungalows on the city outskirts are also sought-after destinations for smaller, private celebrations.</p>
<p>Bengaluru: With thousands expected to ring in the New Year across Bengaluru on Tuesday night, pubs, restaurants, and civic authorities are making extensive preparations to ensure a smooth and safe celebration for all.</p><p>Pubs and breweries in popular areas like MG Road, Kalyan Nagar, and the Central Business District (CBD) are imposing cover charges ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000, redeemable on food and beverages. Managers explain this as a strategy to manage crowds and ensure better accountability.</p>.Bengaluru Traffic Police set up restrictions, special drives for NYE celebrations.<p>"The cover charge ensures people spend money and discourages those who might loiter around. It also helps us maintain records of visitors and restrict the crowd," said a manager of a popular brewery.</p><p>Security has been tightened at entrances and inside venues to prevent untoward incidents. Additionally, some establishments have hired extra valet drivers to drop off inebriated patrons. Drop-off charges will be privately negotiated between the driver and the customer, though many party-goers are expected to rely on cab services.</p>.<p><strong>Last-minute bookings</strong> </p><p>Despite the preparations, demand has exceeded expectations.</p><p>Many party-goers were seen queueing for last-minute bookings at prominent pubs, with mixed results.</p><p>Kishan Roy, an IT professional, shared his experience: "I visited at least 10 pubs around MG Road for a booking, but all tickets were sold out."</p><p>For those avoiding crowded venues, house parties and Bring Your Own Booze (BYOB) gatherings remain popular. Farmhouses and private bungalows on the city outskirts are also sought-after destinations for smaller, private celebrations.</p>
