Police issue guidelines as city gears up for New Year celebrations

The guidelines issued highlighted the timings for the celebrations, warning against drunken driving and eve-teasing. The meeting at the Commissioners’ office in Vepery on Wednesday was headed by Additional Commissioner for South Shankar, Joint Commissioner for South Anbu and Joint Commissioner for East S Manoharan besides over 80 representatives of various city hotels and clubs. 

According to the officials, the New Year parties can be conducted between 6 am on December 31 and 1 am on January 1. Beverages and food must not be served beyond the prescribed time. Star hotels have been asked to record the details of vehicles in which guests arrive. The hotels must have CCTV cameras at vantage points as well. The hotels were advised to serve liquor only at permitted areas, and cordon off swimming pools during parties. 

Hotels are not permitted to erect structures or stages over swimming pools. If hotels plan to build a temporary stage, they should get permission for the same. Guests from other countries are required to have all the travel and identify proofs. The police have asked the hotels and clubs to provide drop facility and not allow guests to drink and drive.  

Apart from the hotels, the police officials have appealed to the public to maintain law and order to ensure safe new year celebrations. Action will be taken against those who race in four-wheelers and two-wheelers. No more than two persons will be allowed on a bike. 

With many gathering at beaches to welcome the new year, people are also advised to refrain from venturing into the sea. Stringent action will be taken against those who misbehave with women. Places like Marina beach, Elliots beach, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Anna Salai, shopping malls and places of worship will have heavy security. During the celebrations, revellers are advised from bursting crackers and using colour powder in crowded areas.