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The state government is finalizing the extension of the deadline by two hours from the present midnight cut-off for star hotels and clubs in the city. The excise ministry has already given an in-principle nod for the extension of the deadline and is now awaiting the completion of formalities before the extension becomes a reality. Bangalore’s nightlife deadline was restricted to 11.30pm in 2008 by the police which later extended to 12 Am.
If the deadline is extended by two hours, star hotels and clubs will remain open till 2am. The decision is being finalized following pressure from the star hotels in the city who were not happy with the midnight deadline. Besides, the restriction was posing inconveniences to the thousands of employees working in call centers and IT firms, who finish work late in the night and struggle for a quick bite or drink.
The excise ministry has given its in-principle approval. But before finalizing discussion on pros and cons of extending the night life in the city will be conveyed with home department and tourism department officials. However, the extension will not apply to the thousands of wine stores and bar and restaurants in Bangalore. The city police have enforced shutting these down by 11.30pm, in some sensitive areas even by 11pm with an eye on curtailing night-time crime in the city.
