Bangalore, Dec 28 (IANS) Party animals in Bangalore are cheering, New Year's Eve this year will be extra rocking.

The decision of city police Commissioner Shankar Bidari to grant "special" permission, allowing all hotels, eating joints, restaurants and bars in Bangalore to remain open till 1 a.m. on the night of Dec 31 has been welcomed.

Bangalore is also known as India's Pub City for introducing pub culture in the country, with large numbers of swanky and not so swanky watering holes dotting the city's landscape.

However, unfortunately on normal days, Bangaloreans cannot enjoy their drink after 11.30 p.m.

Bars in Bangalore are required to close down by 11.30 p.m. every day, as per the provisions of the Karnataka Excise Act, Rules and Licence Conditions, whereas eating establishments in Bangalore are required to close down at midnight.

"It's a good step forward," Ashish Kothare, president of Bangalore's Association of Bar and Restaurants, Pub and Hotels, a body of some 32 upscale night clubs, bars and pubs, told IANS.

Kothare said hotels, eating joints and restaurants situated within the limits of Bangalore city would be permitted to remain open for an extra hour so that New Year celebrations can go on in the first hour of Jan 1.

An official said police took the decision after being flooded with requests from hotels, bars and restaurant owners, seeking special permission to keep their business open beyond the usual deadline for midnight revellers.

Last year, pubs and restaurants serving liquor were allowed to remain open till 12.30 a.m. on New Year's Eve.

"I am happy with the decision of the police, even if it is only for a day. In fact, actually the party begins after midnight, but it's sad that Bangalore has to close its pubs and bars before 12 a.m.," said IT professional Rahul Dev.

"I am going to party hard this New Year. With relaxation on party time, this New Year eve is surely going to rock," smiled media executive Leela Nath.