Vizag Police Chief Issues Guidelines for New Year Festivities

Visakhapatnam: As the countdown begins for the New Year's Eve, Visakhapatnam police commissioner of in Visakhapatnam has issued a set of stringent guidelines for hotels, clubs, pubs and other establishments hosting the celebrations on the night of December 31, 2023 and into the early hours of January 1, 2024.

The guidelines include a range of safety and behavioural norms, aiming at ensuring a secure and orderly environment during the revelry. Notable among the guidelines is the mandatory requirement for establishments organizing events beyond 1 am to secure prior permission from the Commissioner of Police.

Compliance with AP Public Safety Enforcement Act, 2013, has been emphasised. There must be CCTV cameras at the entry / exit points and in parking areas to ensure vigilance. Organisers must appoint adequate security personnel for ensuring overall safety of attendees and efficient traffic management.

Decency must be ensured. Attires, performances, language, and gestures must conform to norms. Any display of obscenity or nudity is prohibited. Sound levels must be at or below 45 decibels. Firearms are banned on the event premises.

Issuance of passes / tickets must align with the venue's capacity to avert potential law and order issues.

The guidelines prohibit entry of minors in pubs, bars and events meant for couples. There should be no use and sale of drugs or narcotic substances within or around the event area. Liquor must be served within the permissible hours stipulated by the excise department.

Further, establishments are required to provide drivers / cabs for customers who get intoxicated to ensure that they reach their home safely.