The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Tight security measures

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 31, 2007
ePaper

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Tight security measures

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: If you intend to party at a pub or club on Monday, you have barely an hour into 2008 to gulp that last drink. The cut-off time is 12.30 a.m. or 1 a.m., depending on where you are. Moreover, you better behave.

The police and the Excise Department are taking steps to curb drunken driving and unruly behaviour during parties on New Year’s Eve.

Tight security will be provided to pre-empt sexual harassment of women, anti-social behaviour and untoward incidents. Around 1,200 police personnel will patrol the central business district alone, especially on M.G. Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road and Richmond Road.

The patrols, which will include photographers, will keep a watch on “hooligans”. Similar arrangements have been made in other areas too. “We will be taking action against acts of misbehaviour,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (South-East) Soumendu Mukherjee, who is in charge of areas such as Koramangala, Whitefield and Electronic City.

The city police are moving in to check rash and drunken driving. Apart from banning traffic on M.G. Road and flyovers, “Z” type barricades will be erected at intersections on intermediate and peripheral ring roads. “We have asked people not to drink and drive,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic-East) Ishwar Prasad. Messages are displayed on several boards, including the electronic display board near Anil Kumble Circle.

The Excise Department and the police will coordinate to make business establishments abide by the deadline. “We will not allow any unit to run beyond the permitted hour,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) B.N.S. Reddy, who is in charge of the central business areas where a large number of New Year-related events are scheduled. “They have to close down. If they don’t, the establishments will be booked not only for violation of the Excise Act but also for any disturbances that occur,” he said.

The Excise Department has issued special licences to 98 establishments to supply liquor beyond the permitted time of 11.30 p.m. “Some more licences will be issued on Monday,” said Deputy Commissioner of Excise Mohan Kumar. Last year, 115 establishments had sought special excise licences, which cost Rs. 10,000 plus 15 per cent cess a day.

“Those celebrating New Year beyond midnight have to pay for two days. Under the special licence, the establishments are allowed to serve liquor till 12.30 a.m.,” Mr. Kumar said.

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