Ahead of New Year’s Eve and celebrations, Bengaluru and Delhi have announced strict guidelines for hotels, pubs, event venues and organisers for parties. The move aims to prevent overcrowding, ensure public safety and maintain law and order during celebrations.
According to the reports, the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said venues must follow capacity limits and ensure that all events conclude by 1 AM. He added that no establishment will be allowed to admit guests beyond its permitted strength.
Venues have been directed to stop entry once full and display clear signs stating that no further entry is allowed. Revellers should not be made to wait outside buildings or stand on footpaths when capacity is reached. Overcrowding at entrances, exits, parking areas, or nearby roads will invite action.
Bengaluru: Key Rules For New Year’s Eve Events
- All celebrations must end by 1 AM.
- Music, slogans or chants must not hurt religious or social sentiments.
- Firecrackers or explosive materials are banned inside commercial premises.
- Separate permission is required for sound systems, with noise levels within legal limits.
- Serving alcohol to minors is strictly prohibited.
- Venues without permanent licences must obtain temporary permits between 6 am on December 31 and 1 AM on January 1.
Apart from that, organisers must conduct mandatory security checks for all guests and report any suspicious persons or objects immediately. Fire safety systems, anti-stampede arrangements and backup power supply are compulsory. Women security staff must be deployed where required, and frisking of women and children must only be done by female personnel.
CCTV cameras are mandatory, with footage to be stored for at least 30 days. Cameras facing roads must be linked to the police command centre. Smoking is allowed only in designated zones, with clear signage banning smoking and narcotics. Any drug-related activity must be reported without delay.
Roadside parking near venues has been banned. Pubs, bars and hotels must ensure safe transport for guests after events. Security staff must be PSARA-registered and carry a valid ID. Illegal private parties and rave events are prohibited. Police have also asked venues to prominently display Bengaluru City Police QR codes.
Delhi New Year Celebration Guidelines 2026
1. Security Measures for Public Safety and Law Enforcement
Delhi Police has issued its New Year guidelines under the Indian Civil Security Code (Section 163), which are already effective from December 30, 2025, to January 5, 2026, with a focus on public order and providing curfew-like restrictions during party time
2. Limitations on Time and Celebrations:
Public festivities and parties in open spaces must be over by 1:00 AM on the 1st of January, 2026. At this hour, the area of large gatherings and public events is going to be reduced to almost nothing to silence disturbance and the chance of public disorder that comes with late-night parties.
Food outlets, night spots, and halls are also to comply with this timing and to schedule their events according to the allowed period to evade fines or problems with licenses. The use of loud music and sound systems will be closely monitored, and only the set limits will be allowed, particularly in residential zones, so that complaints can be avoided.
3. Fireworks and Pyrotechnics
In contrast to some festivals, such as Diwali, the use of fireworks, both traditional and electrical, is completely banned in Delhi during New Year celebrations. The same restriction applies to the public and the licensed establishments, which include restaurants, hotels, and clubs.
4. Crowd and Fire Safety at Venues
Ensuring that fire exits and evacuation routes are not blocked and are easily accessible.
5. Traffic and Commuter Advisories
The Delhi Traffic Police every year gives out advisories for New Year’s Eve to better control the traffic and the movement of people. Vehicles have been prohibited from entering the areas with heavy crowds unless they produce valid passes or permits.
6. Public Behaviour
Drinking and driving, plus the use of public places for drinking alcohol, are still major offences and hence punishable with harsh penalties. Police campaigns do not allow such acts as street stunts, blocking the road, or creating dangerous situations for the public.
The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India has asked the Maharashtra Government to allow longer working hours for hotels and restaurants during the year-end festive days. The association wants food and beverage places to stay open at least till 5 am on December 24, December 25, and December 31.
