B’luru: BBHA urges Karnataka govt to enforce uniform 2 AM closing time for hotels

The Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association (BBHA) has urged the Karnataka government and the Bengaluru City Police to uniformly enforce the permission allowing hotels, restaurants, bakeries, sweet shops, and ice cream parlours to operate until 2 AM. The association says conflicting restrictions by local police, who are limiting operations to 1 AM, are badly hurting the city’s night economy and hospitality sector.

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In an official letter dated June 24, 2025, BBHA President Dr. R. Ravichandar highlighted that both the Centre and state have already included late-night operations under the Ease of Doing Business model to encourage 24/7 business activities. However, the lack of clear enforcement is creating confusion and directly affecting over 50% of businesses that depend on late-night customers.

The association emphasized that Bengaluru, being a major IT and tourist hub, sees a steady demand for food and beverages round the clock. Late-shift workers, business travellers, and tourists rely on these services, which also generate vital employment for thousands of people in the city.

The BBHA has requested the government to issue clear and uniform directions to all police stations to stop harassment and prevent unnecessary closures of legitimate businesses. The association further pointed out that supporting the night economy is essential for the city’s global competitiveness and for retaining jobs in the already recovering hotel industry.

They warned that failure to implement the uniform 2 AM closing time will weaken Bengaluru’s Ease of Doing Business ranking and hurt its image as a vibrant, business-friendly city.