Will Pub City party all night once again?

Will Pub City party all night once again?
Deccan Herald

Pub-hopping Bangaloreans are keeping their fingers crossed. Does the appointment of a new police commissioner mean good news to youth starved of a ‘hip and happening’ night-life?

Pub-hopping Bangaloreans are keeping their fingers crossed. Does the appointment of a new police commissioner mean good news to youth starved of a ‘hip and happening’ night-life? Metrolife asked a few people what they think will happen.

Divya, 22-year-old student said, “Pubs should be allowed to stay open at least till 1 am. “The 11.30 pm embargo actually doesn’t serve any purpose other than encouraging rave parties on the City’s outskirts.”

Manya, an engineering student says, “Parties go on till early morning in many farmhouses. They have no restriction - at least no one hears of early closure of these parties. Why target pubs and lounge bars within city limits?”

Bharat, also an engineering student feels, pubs may actually be safer than raves. “Authorities should realise that youngsters just need a place to chill. Enforcing deadlines do not make for constructive change.”

Keertana, a call centre employee says, “I just need to mingle with friends after a strenuous week. I really hope our new police commissioner understands our needs.” “Give us our night life back, we are grown ups and we can take care of ourselves,” laments Dheer.

A few owners of pubs and lounge bars, who did not wish to be quoted (for obvious reasons) feel that the City which has emerged as a bustling IT centre that attracts the best talents from around the world, should also provide a global atmosphere in every sphere. And night life is one of the aspects of city culture.

While some of them have brought in ‘innovations’ like weekend brunches and ladies nights (which begin and end early) to draw in the crowds, most others feel the 11:30 pm deadline has slowed business down.

Parents and guardians of youngsters, on the other hand, feel the deadline should continue. “What kind of a party is it that goes on beyond midnight? Don’t these youngsters have to get back to college/ work the next day? Having fun doesn’t have to come at the price of personal safety. Bangalore’s roads are no longer safe for anyone,” says Sulabha, a mother of two teenaged sons.