New Year celebrations in Hyderabad: Racing, driving without silencer can result in license ban

Hyderabad: Regarding New Year celebrations, the police have warned people against creating a public nuisance, especially noise pollution by driving without silencers. The police also forbid acts that endanger public lives such as, minors driving, rash driving, overspeeding, performing stunts and racing on two and three-wheelers.

The punishment for these actions will be suspension of the driver's license for three months or even permanently.

Similarly, the commissioner of police of Hyderabad has also issued guidelines to hotels (3-Star and above), clubs, bars and restaurants/pubs regarding New Year celebrations on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1, 2024.

The other guidelines are as follows:

- The management who is going to conduct events/programmes up to 1 am should apply to the commissioner for permission at least 10 days before.

- The organisers should install CCTV cameras with recording facilities at all the entry and exit points of the establishment. CCTV cameras will also be installed with recording facilities at parking places.

- The organisers and management should provide adequate security guards for traffic.

- Decency of apparel, dance acts, gestures words has to be ensured by organisers. There should not be any obscenity or nudity in any of the performances.

- Sound levels to be maintained at equal or less than 45 decibels.

- The organisers are warned not to allow any firearms at the venue of the event.

- The organisers should ensure that passes/tickets/coupons are not given in excess as this may lead to law and order problems.

- Special parking arrangements should be made by organisers to avoid obstructions to traffic.

- Orderliness should be maintained by organisers inside the venue.

- No minors should be permitted in programmes organised for couples and in pubs and bars.

- Organisers are strictly warned against the usage of drugs, narcotics and psychotropic substances and if the management fails to prevent the same it would lead to culpability of management and action will be taken as per law. Organisers should pay special attention to parking areas and other places where drugs are clandestinely sold.

- The organisers should appoint an adequate number of security guards to take care of systematic parking inside the premises as well as to regulate traffic in front of the entry and exit gates.

- They should not serve liquor beyond the hours permitted by the excise department.

- It is the responsibility of the management of pubs/bars to make necessary arrangements to provide drivers/cabs to the customers who are in a drunken state to reach their destinations safely.

- There should not be any display or use of fireworks.

- Instructions of the district fire officer/regional fire officer should be complied with.

- Liability for any loss, damage, nuisance etc. life and property as a sequel to the functioning of the establishment will rest with the applicant.

The police asked the hotel and bar management to publish the guidelines at their entrances and inside the premises.

The police officials also gave warnings regarding drunken driving.

- The police said that the permissible alcohol limit is up to and below 30 mg/100 ml of blood i.e., 30 micrograms/100 ml of blood. Anything above that, as recorded by a breath analyser is a violation.

- If anyone is found driving in a drunken condition they will be booked.

- In such a case, if a person with a valid driving license accompanies you, they have to undergo a breath test. If found not inebriated, the vehicle will be given to them, otherwise vehicle will be taken to the police station for temporary custody.

- The customer (respondent) will have to come to the police station the next working day along with their original driver's license and registration certificate of vehicle and take back the vehicle. Whenever police summons, the persons should attend the court.

The penalty for drunken driving is Rs 10,000 and/or six months imprisonment and suspension of driving license for 3 months or permanently.

Also, the concept of a “designated driver for a day” who can safely take co-passengers home without himself/herself indulging in drinking beyond the limit to be explained to the customers as well as displayed at prominent places for their safety.