New Year: Bars, beer parlours to operate till midnight on Wednesday

Thiruvananthapuram: In view of New Year celebrations, the Kerala government has permitted bars, beer parlours and wine parlours to remain open till midnight on Wednesday. The decision, announced by the Tax Department, was taken considering the increased inflow of tourists during the festive period.

The order stipulates that extended operating hours should be allowed based on the law and order situation in each area. The Excise Commissioner has been authorised to issue the necessary directions, while Deputy Excise Commissioners will take decisions at the district level. Last year too, bar timings were extended on New Year’s Eve, though the relaxation was not granted in Thiruvananthapuram district following a police report citing possible law-and-order concerns.

According to Tourism Department guidelines, bars in notified tourism zones are permitted to function till midnight, while those in other areas are typically required to close by 11 pm. This disparity had earlier led to disputes in cities such as Kochi, where bars in Fort Kochi were allowed to remain open till midnight while those in other parts of the city had to shut earlier. It was in response to such concerns that uniform extended timings were granted.