Cops to get tough on New Year parties

Police sources said that clear instructions had been given to hotels and resorts in the city and the suburbs that no major New Year party should be organised this year. Necessary measures are in place to stop gala events to mark New Year this time, sources added. 

“Special check teams have been formed to conduct surprise checks on hotels and resorts as part of the measures to ensure that they do not conduct New Year parties in a major way. Around 12,000 cops will also be deployed on roads to stop celebrations from spilling to the streets,” a top police official told dtNext on condition of anonymity. 

A five-star hotel staff told this newspaper that the police had asked them not to organise any New Year party this year, as Chennai had suffered badly due to the floods. “Most of the hoteliers have agreed to abide by this informal order. But we have decided to take this as a challenge and have decided to hold the party. We have a theme party and celebrity DJ with unlimited beverages for our customers. With no interference, from the police, the party will go on till 3.30 am,” festival desk manager of a luxury hotel in the city said. 

The manager said that they decided to conduct the party as many of their customers wanted to celebrate New Year’s eve. 

However, according to intelligence officials, no hotel has come forward this year seeking licence to hold parties. “They need to take permission for holding such special parties. As far as we know no hotels are holding a New Year party this year. If you have any specific information regarding any such party plans, we will verify it,” a senior official said. 

Sources said police have also been told to check on the beach resorts along the East Coast Road to make sure that no big parties are held. Similarly, elaborate arrangements have been done to regulate traffic on the Beach Road and other spots where big New Year celebrations are held in the city so that pedestrians and church goers are not affected. 

Barricades will be put up at different spots to control movement of vehicles and to keep a tab on drunken driving.