Bangalore, says cheers beyond curfew time
by Bhargavi Kerur
Pub timings could be extended beyond midnight in the tech city
BANGALORE: The pub capital of India is set to return to its glory days as the deadline on bar and pub timings may be extended beyond midnight. A proposal mooted by the Karnataka tourism department with the recommendation of the police is awaiting the governmentÕs nod.
The proposal says pub timings should be extended from the current 11.30 pm to 1.30 am. If it is accepted, over 300 pubs, bars and restaurants could soon remain open, giving Bangalore back its nightlife.
The proposal found support during the investorsÕ summit for tourism in the state that was held last week.
Partying @ Club Cabana
video: deepanjannag
"The proposal has the tourist in mind and the stateÕs aim is to bring more investment by wooing the potential investor. Investors argued for the extension of pub timings since nightlife is the essence of a tourist destination," a department official said.
The police too have recommended the proposal. "A tourist or a citizen returning late in the night will have problems if eat-outs are shut early. And the public demanded an extension of the deadline. Hence, the recommendation was given," the director general of police, Karnataka, KR Srinivasan told DNA.
And the famous pubs of Bangalore such as Pecos, GuzzlerÕs Inn, TGIF, The Club Inferno and the others are set to add on more programmes.
"This is the best news," exclaimed the president of BangaloreÕs pub, bar and restaurant ownersÕ association Ashok Sadhwani.
"Extended deadline means BangaloreÕs old glory of being a pub city is set to return. It means more revenue to the government and colour to nightlife," Sadhwani, who owns Pub World, said.
The techies, who have missed the nightlife most, are elated. "My girlfriend always complained of the early deadline. I will be happy to be out with her till 1.30 am. This is exciting," said techie Hanuwant S.
k_bhargavi( at) dnaindia (dot) net
