Hyderabad, December 23, 2025 (SnapNews Bureau) :
As Telangana braces for New Year festivities, the state government has relaxed liquor service timings for bars, clubs, pubs, and events until 1 AM from December 27 to 31, while Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar enforces rigorous safety protocols to curb drunk driving and chaos. This move coincides with a prolonged cold wave that has plunged night temperatures to single digits in multiple districts, disrupting daily life and adding caution to outdoor celebrations. Authorities emphasize responsible revelry, with special excise checks and weather advisories urging residents to balance holiday cheer with safety amid the chill.
Regulatory Details Emerge
The Prohibition and Excise Department issued orders allowing extended operations for licensed establishments during the festive period, a departure from standard closing times to accommodate demand. Bars, clubs, and restaurants categorized as three-star and above can now serve liquor up to 1 AM, provided they secure prior permissions from local police and comply with noise limits.Special excise teams will conduct drives from December 27 onward, targeting illegal sales, overcapacity, and underage access, with violations attracting heavy fines or license suspensions.
Hyderabad Police guidelines, reiterated by Commissioner Sajjanar, mandate CCTV coverage at all venues, parking arrangements to avoid traffic snarls, and no tolerance for drugs or narcotics. Sound systems face decibel caps at 45 dB beyond 10 PM, restricted to indoor spaces like banquet halls, while external DJs halt by 10 PM sharp.Fire safety compliance, no fireworks, and advisories on legal blood alcohol limits (below 30 mg/100 ml) are non-negotiable, with managements liable for any incidents.Venues must arrange cabs or drivers for intoxicated patrons, displaying drunk-driving penalties prominently.
Cold Wave Intensifies Challenges
Parallel to these preparations, Telangana shivers under a severe cold spell, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting persistence until at least December 25. Minimum temperatures have dropped 2-4°C below normal, hitting 5-7°C in northern districts like Adilabad, Kumaram Bheem Asifabad, and Medak, while Hyderabad’s outskirts like Moinabad logged 6.5°C recently.Dense fog blankets mornings, delaying farm work in rural areas and stranding commuters on highways.
IMD alerts highlight isolated cold wave pockets through December 24, with Hyderabad expected to see lows of 11-13°C and hazy conditions.Independent tracker Telangana Weatherman predicts another peak chill from December 19-22, now extending impacts into festive week.Vulnerable groups—homeless individuals, daily wagers, and the elderly—face heightened risks, prompting NGOs to demand more shelters, blankets, and hot meals from civic bodies.
Public and Economic Ripples
The dual developments stir mixed reactions. Hospitality sectors welcome extended hours, projecting boosted revenues from New Year’s Eve ticketed events in Gachibowli, Banjara Hills, and Jubilee Hills hotspots. However, opposition voices like BRS leaders question if relaxed rules prioritize revenue over public health, citing past drunk-driving spikes. Rural Telangana, already hit by cold-delayed harvests, sees minimal festive buzz as farmers prioritize warmth over outings.
Broader Context and Outlook
Police assure heightened patrols near party zones on December 31-January 1, integrating weather contingencies like mist-related visibility checks. Citizens receive calls to layer up, avoid late-night travel, and use ride-hailing apps responsibly. “Celebrate safely—cold nights and extended hours demand double vigilance,” urged a senior excise official.
This year’s measures build on 2024 precedents, refined after last winter’s cold wave that saw similar lows. With Christmas just past and 2026 looming, Telangana balances festivity with prudence. Excise dashboards track 2025-26 license renewals, ensuring compliant outlets lead the pack. As fog lifts slowly and thermometers stabilize post-Christmas, the state eyes a controlled yet vibrant welcome to the new year
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