Mumbai's deadline tonight extended to 5 am

Mumbai: Despite the in-your-face security blanket thrown over the city, there is some respite for Mumbaikars this new year's eve. The deadline for restaurants and bars to serve liquor has for tonight been extended till 5 am.

"We have received an order from the State Excise Department that eating houses can serve liquor till 5 am," said Rajnish Seth, Mumbai Joint Commissioner Of Police (Law and Order).

The decision is being welcomed by city residents with open arms. "It's New Year. Shutting down everything at 12.30 am is a bad idea. 5 am is definitely a welcome thing," said a South Mumbai resident.

The Mumbai Police does not want to be a spoilsport, and have allowed indoor parties till 5 am. But they have told people be ready for checks at various sensitive locations - this in view of the specific intelligence inputs of four LeT men having entered the city.

Taking no chances, the Mumbai Police is taking the help of CCTVs at sensitive locations, alcohol metres at traffic junctions and additional forces apart from the full strength of 43,000 policemen.

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There will be heavy patrolling and checks, SRPF, Quick Response Teams have also been deployed, and boats will patrol the coastline.

"As long as the security is there, as long as the arrangements are in place, parking, drunken-driving - these things are taken care of, I think it's fantastic," said a Mumbai local.

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Even with a terror alert on, the Mumbai Police and the administration doing their best to see people to bid adieu to 2010 in style.