Hotels and restaurants across the city can remain open until 3.30 am on 14, 15 and 19 July to host screenings of the FIFA World Cup semi-finals and final
Football fans in Bengaluru will be able to watch the FIFA World Cup semi-finals and final at late-night screenings after the Karnataka government allowed hotels and restaurants across the city to remain open until 3.30 am on 14, 15 and 19 July. The relaxation comes ahead of the first semi-final, scheduled to begin at 12.30 am on Wednesday, when France will face Spain. The decision follows a representation from the National Restaurant Association of India seeking an extension of operating hours for establishments hosting 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,” Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar wrote on X.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the extended closing time will be applicable on 14 and 15 July for the semi-finals and on 19 July for the final. Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh has issued the order permitting hotels and restaurants to operate until 3.30 am on those dates.
Restaurants in Bengaluru are ordinarily required to close by 1 am. The temporary extension is intended to allow hospitality establishments to host live screenings of the tournament’s concluding matches while operating within the revised timings.
