Times of India

Bangalore, Dec 27: Here's good news for New Year revellers in the city. The police have decided not to play spoilsport this New Year's Eve, provided the revellers obey the rules and regulations.

This announcement was made by Bangalore Police Commissioner N Achuta Rao, who, however, emphasised that drunken driving will not be tolerated. It is unfortunate that a large number of people die on New Year's Eve due to drunken driving.We must put a stop to it, he said.

The police commissioner told reporters here on Tuesday that the police will not force bars, pubs and other watering holes to close at 11.30 pm, provided the excise department decides to extend the deadline. Bar and restaurant owners will have to ensure they do not break any rules. Police will not disturb them as long as they adhere to the provisions of the excise Act.

The excise department is empowered to extend by another hour the 11.30 pm deadline to serve liquor, he said. Police will not stop restaurant owners from serving their customers food beyond the 11.30 pm or any other legally permissible deadline that is set. However, liquor will not be allowed to be served after the deadline that the excise department will set, the commissioner added.

Police will make adequate security arrangements on Brigade Road,M G Road and other places that revellers throng. The traffic police will be out in full strength across the city to see that revellers do not die in road accidents. A few flyovers that are considered accident-prone zones will be closed for vehicular traffic.

Two-wheeler riders not wearing helmets will be dealt with firmly, the commissioner said. People are advised not to drive or ride their vehicles after consuming liquor. Every year, four to five people die on December 31 night due to drunken driving, he added. An advisory on regulations will be issued on December 30, he added.