TACKLING DRUNKEN DRIVING

Mumbaikars may be allowed New Year bash on terraces

Mumbai, December 12
Mumbaikars may be allowed to party on their building terraces and in their compounds till 5 am on New Year day as part of the city police’s efforts to curb drunken driving. The police also wants fewer people on the streets on the New Year’s Eve as part of the security measures.

“Cases of drunken driving go up sharply on the night of December 31 every year,” says a senior police official. Last year, he says, more than 1,000 drunk drivers were arrested in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai. “Fewer people may venture out if they are allowed to hold parties on their building premises,” the officer said. A final decision on this will be taken a few days before New Year’s Eve.

On most days, music systems in Mumbai are to be switched off by 10 pm as part of the Supreme Court’s directives to control noise pollution. Stand-alone restaurants and bars have to take last orders by 1 am and down their shutters half an hour later on normal days. The hotel industry has appealed to the police for permission to stay open till 3.30 am on Christmas and New Year’s Day which fall on Sunday this year.

“We have appealed to the police for permission to stay open till early morning on Christmas and New Year Day just like in the case of five-star hotels,” says Sudhakar Shetty of the Association of Hotel and Restaurant Owners (AHAR).

Last year, the Mumbai police was asked not to crackdown on private parties for violation of prohibition rules. In Maharashtra, those drinking liquor are expected to hold permits issued by the state government. In addition, organisers of private parties where liquor is to be served are expected to obtain extra licences.