Bengaluru Nightlife Set for a Revival: Pubs May Stay Open Till 1 AM

Bengaluru’s standalone pubs might soon be toasting to extended hours, as Deputy CM DK Shivakumar is expected to approve a 1 AM closing time, bringing them in line with other licensed establishments.

This move follows the Karnataka government’s recent decision to allow hotels, restaurants, and bars to operate until 1 AM, aiming to boost nightlife and increase tax revenue from India’s tech hub.

Ending Early Closures & Harassment Concerns

Currently, standalone pubs face strict enforcement, shutting down by 11:30 PM, while other establishments enjoy extended hours. Addressing concerns in the legislative council, Shivakumar acknowledged that the early curfew often leads to police harassment and emphasized the need for a vibrant nightlife for IT professionals and late-night workers.

Business-Friendly Policy in Action

This isn’t the first push for longer operational hours. The 2024 state budget focused on business-friendly reforms, leading to an August 2024 order permitting:

CL-4 (clubs), CL-6(A) (star hotels), CL-7 (hotels & boarding houses), CL-7D (hotels owned by SC/ST individuals) to function from 9 AM to 1 AM.
CL-9 (bars & refreshment rooms) to operate from 10 AM to 1 AM.

If the new policy is implemented, Bengaluru’s nightlife is set to thrive once again.

Read Also: