No firecrackers, strict rules for New Year parties: Bengaluru Police issue 19-point safety guidelines

In the wake of the Goa pub tragedy, Bengaluru Police have imposed a complete ban on firecrackers during New Year celebrations and released detailed guidelines for December 31 events, warning of strict action for any violations.

Ahead of New Year celebrations, Bengaluru Police have issued strict guidelines banning the use of firecrackers at all New Year events across the city. The move comes in the backdrop of the recent Goa pub incident, prompting authorities to tighten safety norms to prevent any untoward incidents.

The police department has released a detailed 19-point guideline for programmes scheduled on December 31, covering hotels, bars, pubs, restaurants and all venues hosting New Year celebrations. Officials have made it clear that any violation of the guidelines will invite stringent legal action.

According to the police, organisers must ensure mandatory permissions from all concerned departments and strictly adhere to the rules laid down. Celebrations must be conducted only within permitted time limits, and sound systems can be used only after obtaining proper licences, while maintaining prescribed noise levels.

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Venues have been instructed to issue tickets or passes strictly according to the seating or standing capacity. Programmes are not allowed in basements, parking areas or terraces. Organisers are also barred from screening visuals or displays visible to the general public outside the venue.

Security has been given top priority. Visitors must be screened, and any suspicious person or object must be immediately reported to the police. Fire safety equipment is mandatory, and venues must have wide and accessible emergency exits.

All event locations must be covered by CCTV cameras with footage stored for at least 30 days. If drug use is detected, organisers must inform the police immediately. Failure to do so, or drugs being found during police raids, will result in cases being filed against the building owners or managers.

Parking arrangements must be made within the premises to avoid public inconvenience. If celebrities, DJs, actors or performers are invited, their full details must be submitted to the local police station in advance.

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Special emphasis has been placed on women’s safety. Adequate female private security staff must be deployed, especially near parking zones and women-dominated areas. Security agencies and bouncers hired must be registered under PSARA.

Organisers must submit details of all staff working during the event along with verified ID cards. Alcohol service is strictly prohibited in unlicensed outdoor locations, and private parties inside hotel rooms involving large groups are not permitted.

In case of any disturbance or clash, organisers are required to inform the police immediately. Most importantly, bursting of firecrackers during New Year events has been completely banned. Organisers must also ensure that no untoward incidents occur during celebrations.

Bengaluru Police have clearly stated that strict action will be taken against organisers and venue owners if any guideline is violated, as safety remains the top priority during New Year celebrations.

Police Guidelines for New Year Celebrations :

1.    Mandatory permission from concerned departments
2.    Follow fixed time limits for celebrations
3.    Sound licence required; noise limits must be followed
4.    Tickets/passes as per venue capacity; no events in basements, parking areas or terraces
5.    No public-facing screening outside venues
6.    Mandatory security checks; report suspicious activity
7.    Fire safety equipment and wide exits compulsory
8.    CCTV cameras with 30-day footage storage
9.    Immediate police intimation if drugs are found
10.    Parking to be arranged within premises
11.    Celebrity/DJ details to be shared with police
12.    More female security staff near parking and women’s areas
13.    Security agencies must be PSARA-registered
14.    Staff details with verified ID cards required
15.    No alcohol in unlicensed outdoor spaces
16.    No illegal private parties in hotel rooms
17.    Police must be informed immediately in case of disturbance
18.    Complete ban on firecrackers
19.    Ensure no untoward incidents during celebrations