Just binge this New Year eve

Just binge this New Year eve
Deccan Herald

Say cheers to 2007! New Year eve revellers can crawl a couple of pubs more, besides quaffing a few extra pegs as the authorities have decided to relax the Cinderella rule governing the City’s bars and eateries on the occasion.

Say cheers to 2007! New Year eve revellers can crawl a couple of pubs more, besides quaffing a few extra pegs as the authorities have decided to relax the Cinderella rule governing the City’s bars and eateries on the occasion.

According to excise sources, pubs and bars will be allowed to remain open for an hour after the stipulated 11:30 pm deadline on December 31.

Bangalore City Police Commissioner N Achutha Rao told reporters on Tuesday: “We are not going to forcibly close down food joints and other outlets. As a special case on New Year's Eve, after the closing of bars, we will give an extra hour for the “food joints” to do business.”

“We want everyone to enjoy and welcome the New Year peacefully but they should abide by the law,” the police chief said. Adequate security will be provided.

An element of extra caution has been necessitated this year as a massive Hindu meet is being held in the City on the same day and Bakrid falls the next day.

“More police personnel will be posted at sensitive points in the Bangalore central business district, especially M G Road, Brigade Road and adjoining areas.”

The City police are also planning to instal video cameras at sensitive points for the first time.

Mr Rao made it clear that the police wouldn’t be considerate when it comes to drunk driving. “We don’t want road mishaps ringing in the New Year. We don’t want to come in the way of people drinking and enjoying. But at the same time, we request them to have liquor within permissible limits and drive back home safe. If they are bent upon crossing the limits, let them hire a driver.”

In the same vein, he said the police won’t spare riders without helmets. Drag races on Cubbon Road and M G Road after they are opened to traffic too won’t be tolerated, he added.