Bengaluru has extended restaurant timings for the FIFA World Cup semi-finals and final. (AI-generated image)

World Cup fever: Bengaluru restaurants get 3.30 am closing time for match screenings

Football fans in Bengaluru have reason to celebrate as restaurants and hotels can now stay open till 3.30 am on the FIFA World Cup semi-final and final nights.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Hotels and restaurants can serve food till 3.30 am on three nights
  • The extension covers both semi-finals and the World Cup final screening
  • The first late-night match pits France against Spain at 12.30 am

Football fever has gripped the world as the FIFA World Cup enters its business end. Unfortunately, most Indians have had little opportunity to enjoy the matches on big screens at restaurants, as kick-off times often stretch well past midnight. But for Bengaluru residents, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's announcement allowing restaurants to stay open beyond the usual 1 am closing time for the semi-finals and final has come as a pleasant surprise.

The Karnataka government on Tuesday allowed hotels and restaurants across Bengaluru to serve food until 3.30 am on July 14, 15 and 19 to facilitate late-night screenings of the FIFA World Cup semi-finals and final. The relaxation applies on the two semi-final dates and on the day of the final.

The decision came ahead of the first semi-final, which was scheduled for 12.30 am on Wednesday, in which Spain and France took on each other. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced the move following a request by the National Restaurant Association of India.

In a post on X, Shivakumar said, “This decision has been taken while ensuring that public safety, law and order, and the convenience of citizens remain our highest priorities. I urge everyone to enjoy the matches responsibly and extend full cooperation to the authorities.”

"This decision has been taken while ensuring that public safety, law and order, and the convenience of citizens remain our highest priorities. I urge everyone to enjoy the matches responsibly and extend full cooperation to the authorities," he added.

A note issued by the Chief Minister’s Office said the order would be in force for three days -- July 14 and 15 for the semi-finals, and July 19 for the final match. It added that Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh has issued the order extending restaurant closure time for match screenings.

- Ends