The extension is for an hour more of liquor service – till 01:00 – on New Year’s eve.
As per norms, liquor is served till midnight during weekdays and till 01:00 hrs at weekends in Chandigarh. As December 31 falls on a weekday (Thursday), extension of one hour has been given by the authorities. UT excise and taxation commissioner Jatinder Yadav said that the extension of one hour had been given to the restaurants and bars. He hoped that the hotels, bars and restaurants would abide by the laid-down norms.
Chandigarh Hotel Association general secretary Ashok Bansal lauded the excise department for taking the decision as it would enable people to enjoy their New Year parties.
Meanwhile, the Chandigarh Police has prepared a plan for elaborate security arrangements to ensure that no untoward incident happens. They will also issue guidelines for hoteliers. Around 2,000 police officials, including DSPs and inspectors, from different units will be pressed into service. The police have also planned to lay nakas in different parts of the city.
UT SSP (Traffic) Maneesh Chaudhry said that elaborate arrangements had been made. All the DSPs and inspectors would be out to ensure that no untoward incident occurred. “Special drunken driving nakas will be laid in the city. We want people to enjoy their New Year parties, but at the same time, we do not want anyone to get killed or kill someone by driving after consuming liquor,” said Chaudhry.
The police will also issue strict guidelines for hoteliers asking them not to hold functions beyond the time permitted by the office of the district magistrate. They have also been asked not to serve liquor beyond permissible time of 01:00 hrs.
The police have laid emphasis on safety of girls and have asked the party organises to assist female guests, who are alone.
