Bengaluru Police Commissioner Mandates Safety Norms for Pubs and Hotels Ahead of New Year Celebrations

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh has instructed pubs and hotels to adhere to safety norms for New Year celebrations, ensuring public safety and lawful conduct.

City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh has instructed pubs, hotels, and event venues to strictly follow safety protocols for New Year celebrations. During a coordination meeting with venue owners and managers, Singh emphasised the importance of maintaining law and order. He stressed that all necessary permissions must be obtained from relevant authorities, and conditions outlined in these permissions must be adhered to.

Singh highlighted the need for venues to comply with prescribed timings for New Year events. Permissions for sound systems are mandatory, and noise levels should not exceed set limits. Entry tickets or passes must align with venue capacity, and serving alcohol to minors is strictly forbidden. "Smoking is completely prohibited inside the event venue, except in designated areas as permitted," he stated.

Safety Measures and Security Protocols

Security measures were a focal point of Singh's directives. Every individual entering a venue must undergo proper screening. Any suspicious items or individuals should be reported to the police immediately. Fire safety equipment is compulsory at all venues, and precautions must be taken to prevent fires or stampedes.

For venues with significant female attendance, women security personnel must be deployed. Male security staff will frisk men, while female staff will handle women and children. Adequate precautions are necessary at entry and exit points, parking areas, and within event premises to avoid overcrowding.

Monitoring and Legal Compliance

CCTV cameras are required inside venues, with footage preserved for at least 30 days. Road-facing cameras should connect to the Police Command Centre where possible. If any information about narcotic substances arises, it must be reported to the local police station immediately.

Singh warned that any violations would lead to legal action against organisers and venue owners or managers. Illegal private parties, including rave parties, are not allowed. In case of disturbances, police should be informed promptly to remove troublemakers and prevent public unrest.

Public Safety and Coordination

The Greater Bengaluru Authority has ordered temporary closure of parks and lakes under Bengaluru West City Corporation after 6 PM on December 31, 2025. This measure addresses public safety concerns due to expected crowd surges during New Year 2026 celebrations.

The authority will coordinate with the Police Department to implement this closure effectively. Necessary signage will be installed to inform the public about these temporary restrictions.

QR codes issued by Bengaluru City Police must be displayed prominently for public access at event venues. Any illegal activities discovered will result in strict legal action against organisers. All instructions from local police must be followed diligently.

Singh reiterated that ensuring participant safety during public celebrations is a collective responsibility. Venue owners and managers are urged to comply with guidelines, cooperate with police, and act responsibly so citizens can enjoy New Year festivities safely.

With inputs from PTI