Hyderabad police issue guidelines for New Year’s Eve celebrations for event organisers
Hyderabad: The Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, C.V. Anand has issued guidelines for the management of 3-star and above hotels, clubs, bars, and restaurants, pubs hosting ticketed events on the intervening night of December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025.
Organisers planning events until 1:00 a.m. must apply for permission from the Commissioner of Police at least 15 days before the event. As per the Telangana Public Safety (Measures) Enforcement Act, 2013, establishments must install CCTV cameras with recording facilities at all entry and exit points and in parking areas. Security personnel must also be deployed for traffic management and to ensure access control.
Organisers are required to maintain appropriate conduct, ensuring no obscenity or nudity in performances, attire, or language. Outdoor sound systems, including loudspeakers and DJ equipment, must be turned off by 10:00 p.m., following Supreme Court guidelines. Indoor venues such as community halls and function rooms may use sound systems until 1:00 a.m., but noise levels must not exceed 45 decibels.
The use of firearms is strictly prohibited, and organisers must ensure the number of tickets or passes issued does not exceed the venue’s capacity to prevent overcrowding. Special parking arrangements must be made to avoid traffic obstruction, and orderliness must be maintained inside the venue. Minors are not allowed at events meant for couples, nor in pubs and bars.
Organisers must take strict measures to prevent drug use or the sale of narcotics and psychotropic substances at the venue. Attention should also be given to parking areas, where drugs may be sold. Organisers should appoint enough security to manage parking and regulate traffic. Alcohol must only be served within the hours permitted by the Excise Department. Pubs and bars must also arrange safe transport for intoxicated customers.
Fireworks are prohibited at events, and organisers must follow any instructions from the District or Regional Fire Officer. The management will be held liable for any loss, damage, or nuisance caused by the event.
An advisory should be displayed at the entrance and inside the establishment to inform customers that drunk driving is an offense under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act. The permissible alcohol limit for drivers is 30 mg/100 ml of blood, and anyone found driving under the influence will face legal action. If a sober individual with a valid driving license accompanies the intoxicated driver, the vehicle will be handed over to them. Otherwise, the vehicle will be taken to the police station for temporary custody.
Penalties for drunk driving include a fine of Rs. 10,000 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment, along with a suspension of the driving license for at least three months. Vehicle owners will be held accountable for accidents involving minors. Over-speeding, dangerous driving, and racing in public places are punishable under the Motor Vehicles Act. SHE Teams will be monitoring the situation, and any crimes against women will be dealt with by law.
The police are also promoting the concept of a “designated driver” to ensure safe transport for customers who have been drinking. These guidelines aim to ensure a safe and enjoyable New Year’s celebration for all.
