Sunday’s bomb blast on Church Street will affect the New Year revelry, as Bangalore police who had extended the deadline till 2 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, have now restricted the deadline to 1 a.m.
Police Commissioner M.N. Reddi issued an order revising the deadline by an hour. Not just that, Mr. Reddi told The Hindu that the police would also place reasonable restrictions on large congregation of people on M.G. Road, Brigade Road and Church Street.
The city police will meet on Tuesday to decide on the restrictions to be placed in public places during this year’s celebrations.
He said that while the police were not against partying, people had to exercise caution and be alert in view of the terror attack on the city. While the deadline was revised by the police, hoteliers, who were preparing for an extended deadline, are expecting a reduction in footfall on New Year’s eve following the blast.
Ashish Kothare, head, Bengaluru Chapter of National Restaurants’ Association of India, which has 120 bars and restaurants serving liquor as members, said, “Definitely, footfall will reduce in and around M.G. Road for New Year get-togethers. People will be cautious.”
Hoteliers said that parents preferred that their children meet at places near home than close to the city centre. Businesspersons with establishments near M.G. Road are unsure of the impact on customers.
A shop owner in Shringar Complex, which has access from M.G. Road and Church Street, said he was unsure about the crowd and business on New Year’s eve. He said, “I can’t tell if there will be a crowd.”
‘Party with caution’Meanwhile, ‘Party with caution’ seems to be the thought on the minds of Bengalureans, to bring in the New Year.
While many who spoke to The Hindu said that they would not stop meeting up for this year’s New Year party, several said they would prefer a place at home or close home rather than heading to a restaurant or hotel in the city centre.
Varun S., a working professional, said he would stay at home on New Year’s eve, while Megha Gowda, a young working professional, said she would go to Pondicherry.
