Bangalore allowed later nights on weekends

Bangalore: From today, Bangalore can party longer on the weekend. The Karnataka government has issued an order extending the deadline to close pubs and bars to 1 am as as against the existing 11 pm.

The Cinderella Project has come into effect for 3 months starting on a trial basis. Eateries and restaurants can, however, serve food till 1 am on all days of the week.

"We are thrilled we got this order finally after such a struggle. It is important to also ensure that the new deadline is kept and we will ensure that all customers leave by 1 am. It would have been great if it were for all days but at least this is a start," said Ashish Kothare, president of Bangalore Bar and restaurant Association. (View government order here)

The police has been opposed to the proposal - it says it just doesn't have enough officers to patrol the streets late at night. Bangalore Police Commissioner R Auradhkar had earlier told NDTV that staff crunch is a challenge and that's why they have reservation against the move. 1 cop for every 75 people, Bangalore's ratio, is among the most alarming for India's cities.

"We are getting nearly 3000 home guards now and getting new vehicles to patrol so we should be able to provide a peaceful and incident free night life as well to Bangaloreans. This is a trial project so let us see," he said today.

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Many suspect the Congress government in the state has brought this into effect with a hope to attract younger voters. "What's the need to bring it out on the eve of elections? The timing is reason to suspect but then we are glad it has been done. Better late than never," said Suruchi Ranjan, an architect.

Meeraj, a regular partygoer said, "We welcome it but we need to ensure safety of people too. Women need to be safe specially on weekends now that the timings are extended, and that is the job of the police."

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