All four remaining FIFA World Cup fixtures are scheduled to begin at 12.30 am, attracting large crowds at restaurants and pubs hosting live screenings. Representative image: Wikimedia Commons
Bengaluru extends restaurant, pub timings till 3.30 am for FIFA World Cup matches
Police relax closing hours on three nights following industry request, allowing late-night food service during the two semi-finals and final of the international sporting event
Bengaluru Police have extended the operating hours of hotels, restaurants, bars, and pubs across the city till 3.30 am on the intervening nights of July 14–15, July 15–16 and July 19–20 to enable football fans to watch the FIFA World Cup semi-finals and final.
The order, issued by Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh under Section 31(W) of the Karnataka Police Act, 1963, allows food service well beyond the usual 1 am closing time. The relaxation came into effect on July 14 and applies to all establishments within the Bengaluru City Police Commissionerate limits.
The Commissioner said the temporary extension was granted in view of the international sporting event while ensuring that law and order is maintained across the city.
Industry request accepted
The decision follows a representation by the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), Bengaluru Chapter, which sought extended operating hours as the matches being screened at restaurants continue until around 2.30 am, making it difficult for establishments to comply with the existing deadline.
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All four remaining FIFA World Cup fixtures are scheduled to begin at 12.30 am, attracting large crowds at restaurants and pubs hosting live screenings.
An NRAI representative said the late-night matches draw significant footfall and it is expected to boost business for the hospitality sector.
Meeting with Chief Minister
The request for extended timings was also raised during a meeting between representatives of the NRAI, the Karnataka State Hotels Association (KSHA), the Bengaluru City Hotel Association, and Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday (July 13).
Industry representatives submitted a memorandum seeking longer operating hours along with other demands. Sources in the NRAI said the Chief Minister responded positively to the proposal, following which the Bengaluru Police issued the temporary relaxation order.
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Chief Minister Shivakumar posted on X on Tuesday afternoon, “Football inspires millions across the world, and the FIFA World Cup is a celebration that fans eagerly look forward to. Following a request from the National Restaurant Association of India, our government has permitted hotels and restaurants in Bengaluru to extend food service timings from 1.00 am to 3.30 am on July 14, 15, and 19 to facilitate late night match screenings. This decision has been taken while ensuring that public safety, law and order, and the convenience of citizens remain our highest priorities. I urge everyone to enjoy the matches responsibly and extend full cooperation to the authorities.”
The police clarified that the extension is valid only on the specified dates and is intended solely to facilitate late-night match screenings while maintaining public order.