In Bengaluru, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that hotels and restaurants can serve food until 3:30 a.m. on three specific days to accommodate late-night FIFA World Cup matches. This decision comes after a request from the National Restaurant Association of India seeking extended operating hours during the tournament. The special hours will be in effect on July 14, July 15, and July 19 to align with the late-night match timings in India.
Chief Minister Shivakumar expressed that this move is a positive development for football enthusiasts in Bengaluru, ensuring they can enjoy the matches without any inconvenience. Under the Karnataka Police Act, the state government has granted permission for eateries to serve food until 3:30 a.m. on the designated dates. Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh has also issued the necessary orders to allow late-night screening of matches and prolonged operation of establishments on those days.
The FIFA World Cup, a prestigious international football tournament, draws a massive global audience, including a significant fan base in India. Due to time differences with the host nation, many Indian fans stay up all night to watch key matches live. This temporary relaxation in operating hours is expected to benefit both football enthusiasts and the hospitality industry, enabling cafes, restaurants, and hotels to cater to customers gathering to watch the games.
