New Year’s is almost upon us and this year, the Chennai city police have made safety their topmost priority. A list of regulations has been issued for the general public, as well as for hotel and clubs.
The police’s primary focus is on preventing sexual harassment and instances of drunken driving.
For the public
No setting off firecrackers in crowded areas. Any form of sexual harassment will be dealt with severely. Residents have been asked not to throw coloured powder or water on others. Drunken driving will be dealt with severely, the drivers subjected to stringent legal action and their vehicles confiscated. Speeding will also be penalised. The police have also asked residents to refrain from venturing into the sea.
For hotels/clubs
All vehicles entering hotels or clubs should be properly checked. CCTVs should be installed at entry points and a record of all vehicles entering the premises should be maintained. The police have also stated that New Year celebrations can only be organised in authorised halls within the premises of the hotel or club. If hotels want to build a temporary dais, certification from both the Public Works Department and the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services should be obtained. No dais should be erected atop or near any swimming pool. Also, the entry to, and the area around the swimming pool should be cordoned off.
In addition, the police have said that all vehicles should be parked in earmarked spots.
After the celebrations, persons found drunk should not be permitted by the management to drive their vehicle. There should be no parking of any vehicles on public roads and for any such violations, the hotel management will be held responsible.
On liquor, the police have said service will only be allowed in pre-approved areas and not from any other locations. Service of food and liquor must close by 2 a.m. and any non-adherence of this deadline will be dealt with severely.
Any person found to unruly and drunk should be removed from the premises by the management. Also, there should be no setting off of firecrackers within the premises. Adequate staff should be available to deal with instances of sexual harassment, if any.
Police officials said any violation of these rules will result in stringent legal action against the concerned management.
