The Bengaluru City Police Commissioner has extended food service timings for hotels and restaurants across the city till 3.30 a.m. on July 14, 15, and 19, considering the late-night schedule of the FIFA World Cup semi-finals and final.
The order has been issued by Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh following a representation from the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) seeking extended operating hours during the FIFA World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Exercising powers under Section 31(W) of the Karnataka Police Act, 1963, the Commissioner has permitted all hotels and restaurants within the Bengaluru City Police Commissionerate limits to serve food until 3.30 AM, instead of the usual 1 AM closing time, on the specified dates.
The order states that the relaxation has been granted considering the international sporting event, and to facilitate viewers while ensuring law and order is maintained across the city.
The order came into effect on July 14.
Guidelines
The City Police Commissioner has also issued a comprehensive set of guidelines for hotels, pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants hosting live screenings of the FIFA World Cup 2026, warning that organisers will face legal action for any violations or law and order issues during the tournament. The memorandum will remain in force from July 14 to July 20.
The police have directed all establishments to strictly follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and obtain the necessary permissions from competent authorities before organising screening events.
Under the guidelines, live screenings will be permitted only within the venue, and organisers have been barred from installing LED screens or sound systems facing public roads or outdoor areas. Serving liquor outside licensed premises or to people waiting outside has also been prohibited.
The advisory imposes a complete ban on betting, including online betting, and police stations have been instructed to closely monitor and gather intelligence on illegal betting activities.
Hotels, pubs and restaurants have also been directed not to operate beyond their permitted hours. Organisers must ensure that ticket and pass distribution does not exceed the venue’s seating capacity, and are prohibited from hosting events in basements, parking areas or terraces to accommodate additional crowds.
To strengthen security, venues have been instructed to install functional CCTV cameras covering entry and exit points, parking areas and event spaces, maintain DVR recordings, deploy adequate private security personnel—including women security guards—and conduct gender-appropriate frisking of visitors.
The guidelines also prohibit weapons, smoke bombs, fireworks, large bags and hard containers inside venues. Establishments must install fire safety equipment and allow smoking only in designated areas. Organisers have further been directed to ensure that alcohol is neither sold nor served to minors.
Where celebrities, DJs or performers are part of an event, their details must be shared in advance with the jurisdictional police station. Parking arrangements must be made within the premises, and vehicles should not be allowed to park on public roads.
The advisory further directs venue management to immediately alert local police about any information related to the consumption, sale or storage of narcotic substances and to report any untoward incident by calling the Namma 112 emergency helpline or the local police station.
The Bengaluru Police warned that organisers would be held accountable and appropriate legal action would be initiated if any illegal activity or law and order issue occurs during FIFA World Cup screening events.
Announcing the decision, Home Minister Priyank Kharge said the relaxation was granted following a request from the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) to the Chief Minister.
“Football fans can now come together and enjoy the late-night match screenings responsibly,” Kharge said.
He clarified that the extension of service hours is strictly limited to the three specified dates and that all establishments must adhere to the operational guidelines issued by Bengaluru City Police.
Emphasising that public safety and law and order remain the government’s top priorities, Kharge urged both football enthusiasts and hospitality establishments to cooperate with the authorities.
“I urge fellow football fans and all establishments to celebrate responsibly, follow every guideline and extend full cooperation to the authorities. Any violation or lapse will invite strict action. All of us need to be responsible, be responsive and be respectful,” the Home Minister said.
Published – July 14, 2026 03:04 pm IST
