Hyderabad: The Telangana Prohibition and Excise Department has granted special permission to extend the operating hours of bars, clubs and microbreweries across the Telangana Core Urban Region (CURE) on the occasion of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Third-Place Play-off and Final.
The orders were issued by C. Hari Kiran, IAS, Commissioner of Prohibition & Excise, following approval from the State Government’s Revenue Department. The decision comes in response to a representation submitted by the Telangana Bar and Restaurants Owners Association.
Extended Timings Announced
As per the official order, licensed establishments will be allowed to remain open beyond their regular closing hours on two occasions:
- Third-Place Play-off (Night of July 18–19, 2026): Business hours have been extended up to 4:30 AM.
- FIFA World Cup Final (Night of July 19–20, 2026): Business hours have been extended up to 3:00 AM.
Who Can Avail the Extension?
The relaxation applies to licensed establishments located within the CURE area, including:
- 2B Bars
- C1 Clubs (In-House)
- TD1 and TD2 outlets operated by the Tourism Development Corporation
- Licensed Microbreweries
All establishments must continue to comply with the provisions of the Telangana Excise Act and other applicable laws during the extended business hours.
Officials Directed to Implement Orders
The Commissioner has directed Deputy Commissioners of Prohibition & Excise in Greater Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Medchal-Malkajgiri, along with District Prohibition & Excise Officers of Hyderabad, Secunderabad, LB Nagar, Quthbullapur, Serilingampally and Malkajgiri, to ensure implementation of the extended timings.
Copies of the order have also been forwarded to the Commissioners of Police of Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Medchal-Malkajgiri, the Director General of Police, District Collectors and other concerned authorities for necessary action.
Boost for Hospitality Sector
The extension is expected to benefit restaurants, bars, clubs and microbreweries by allowing football fans to watch the late-night FIFA World Cup matches without interruption. Hospitality industry representatives had requested the government to permit extended business hours considering the global sporting event’s late-night schedule in India.
With the FIFA World Cup Final attracting millions of viewers worldwide, the special relaxation is expected to see increased footfall at sports bars and hospitality establishments across Hyderabad and the Telangana Core Urban Region.
