Based on a recommendation by the State Excise Department, the State government on Thursday issued a notification allowing bars and restaurants to remain open till 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
The notification dated March 4, a day before the election code of conduct came into force, is applicable to bars operating within the jurisdiction of the Bangalore city police commissionerate, a senior official of the excise department said.
Necessary measures have been taken to ensure law and order, according Police Commissioner Raghavendra Auradkar.
Home guards to helpThe city police have been provided 1,000 home guards to assist the existing force.
Another 1,000 personnel will be provided in a few days’ time, said Director-General of Fire, Emergency Services, Home Guards and Civil Defence Om Prakash.
He said that the department was planning to enlist over 5,000 home guards.