Bars to remain open till 5 am Guidelines for December 31 celebrations out
   Date :30-Dec-2023

Bars to remain open till 5 am 
 
 
 
 
 
Staff Reporter
 
In a bid to maintain public order and ensure the safety and well-being of citizens, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amitesh Kumar has issued a notification under Section 144 of CrpC with comprehensive guidelines for establishments hosting New Year’s Eve events. According to notification, all establishments hosting December 31 events, in addition to their regular activities, are required to obtain written permission from the CP, Nagpur City. Bars and permit rooms must strictly adhere to the closing time of 5 am, with indoor music performances allowed until the closing time. “No entry of persons below the age of 18 is allowed in the designated areas where liquor is served. For outdoor events with temporary liquor licenses, persons below 18 are also prohibited, and no person below the age of 25 should be served liquor,” the notification stated.
 
Eating houses, dhabas, or establishments without a valid excise license are prohibited from allowing the drinking or sale of liquor to customers. Similarly, customers are not allowed to dance in seating areas to prevent conflicts between different groups of guests. Acoustic soundproofing for indoor events and a music shutdown at midnight for outdoor events are stipulated, the notification stated. “Establishments must install CCTV cameras covering all crucial areas, and two sets of DVRs must be maintained for police verification if necessary,” the CP stated in the notification.
 
As per the notification, adequate male and female security personnel must be present to manage customers without engaging in any unlawful activities. The police will hold owners responsible for the safety, security, and dignity of guests and also safety of women. On the smoking, the notification stated that smoking would be only permitted in designated areas, complying with COTPA, 2003 while e-cigarettes are prohibited. Establishments must display “NO DRUGS ALLOWED” signage and conduct thorough checks to prevent drug consumption, it stated. Any incident or ruckus must be reported immediately to the police control room, and Dial 112 should be utilised.