The Telangana government has issued special orders outlining regulations for liquor service and sales during New Year celebrations on December 31. The directives aim to balance festive celebrations with responsible administration.
According to the official notification, bars, clubs, permitted events and tourism locations across the state will be allowed to serve liquor until 1:00 am on the night of December 31. This extension provides establishments an additional hour beyond the regular closing time to accommodate New Year celebrations.
However, this relaxation comes with specific conditions. Only establishments that have secured prior permission from the Excise Department will be eligible for the extended service hours. Venues operating without proper authorization will not be permitted to take advantage of the relaxed timings.
The regulations also address retail liquor sales. A-4 liquor shops throughout Telangana have been permitted to sell liquor only until 12:00 midnight on December 31. The orders make it clear that no sales beyond this stipulated time will be allowed under any circumstances.
This marks a clear distinction between service at licensed establishments and retail sales at liquor shops. While bars and clubs with proper permissions can continue serving until 1:00 am, retail outlets must cease operations at midnight sharp.
The special orders from the Excise Department reflect a measured approach to New Year festivities. By allowing extended hours for supervised venues while maintaining stricter controls on retail sales, authorities aim to facilitate celebrations while maintaining public order.
Establishments planning to take advantage of the extended service hours are advised to ensure they have obtained all necessary permissions from the relevant authorities. The Excise Department is expected to conduct monitoring to ensure compliance with the regulations.
The restrictions apply uniformly across all districts of Telangana. Tourism locations that have received prior approval will also benefit from the extended service hours, supporting the hospitality sector during one of the busiest nights of the year.
As per the special orders, the relaxation applies only to December 31 and establishments must return to regular operating hours from January 1 onwards.
