Bengaluru New Year party guidelines: Timings, liquor rules, and what revellers need to know

If you’re ringing in the New Year in Bengaluru, a heads-up may save you trouble later. The city police have rolled out a detailed set of instructions for hotels, pubs, restaurants, clubs, and event organisers to ensure celebrations stay safe and orderly.

According to directions issued by the Bengaluru City Police, all New Year’s Eve and New Year parties must wrap up by 1 am. Venue owners have been told not to admit guests beyond their approved capacity. Once a place is full, organisers must clearly display a sign stating that entry is closed. Revellers cannot be asked to wait outside the premises or spill over onto footpaths and roads.

While talking to the Times of India, Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh has also warned against content that could offend religious or social sentiments. Songs, slogans, or performances that may hurt public feelings are strictly prohibited. In addition, the use of firecrackers or any explosive materials inside commercial establishments is not allowed.


Venues hosting parties without an existing licence must obtain a temporary permit, which will be issued between 6 am on December 31 and 1 am on January 1. As per the law, serving alcohol to minors is completely banned.

The event organisers have also been told to stick to noise limits and they will need to get separate permission for sound systems. Security norms have been tightened as well. All guests must undergo screening at entry points, and any suspicious activity or objects must be reported immediately. Fire safety arrangements, anti-stampede measures, adequate lighting, and backup power have been made compulsory. CCTV cameras are mandatory, with recordings preserved for at least 30 days. Cameras facing roads should also be linked to the police control room.

Women security personnel must be deployed where required, and frisking of women and children must be carried out only by female staff. Smoking is permitted only in designated zones, and clear “No Smoking” and “No Narcotic Substances” signage must be displayed. Illegal private or rave parties are strictly prohibited.

For emergencies, citizens can dial 100 or 112.