FIFA weekend puts Hyderabad’s nightlife to test as hospitality industry eyes bigger goal
The Telangana government’s decision to allow bars, clubs and microbreweries to stay open beyond their usual hours for the FIFA Club World Cup weekend is
The Telangana government’s decision to allow bars, clubs and microbreweries to stay open beyond their usual hours for the FIFA Club World Cup weekend is being seen as more than a one-off relaxation for football fans. The hospitality industry sees it as a test that could shape the future of Hyderabad’s nightlife. The Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), Hyderabad Chapter, has urged its members to ensure the two nights pass without incident, stating the industry has an opportunity to demonstrate that a vibrant nightlife can coexist with responsible operations, public safety and civic discipline. In an advisory issued to restaurants, bars, clubs and microbreweries, the association said the success of the initiative would depend not only on business generated during the FIFA Club World Cup third-place play-off and final, but also on how responsibly establishments conduct themselves.
“Every establishment represents not only its own brand but also the reputation of Hyderabad’s hospitality industry,” the advisory issued by their chapter head Sandeep Balasubramanian said. To achieve this, the NRAI has asked establishments to promote responsible alcohol consumption, refrain from serving guests who are visibly intoxicated and encourage customers to use cabs, ride-hailing services or designated drivers while returning home. It has also advised members to deploy adequate security personnel, strictly adhere to approved occupancy limits and extend full cooperation to the Telangana Police, Excise Department, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and other authorities throughout the extended operating hours. The association has also instructed members to ensure guests leave premises in an orderly manner, discourage loitering and public drinking outside establishments, minimise noise and, wherever possible, provide valet services to prevent illegal parking and traffic congestion in surrounding neighbourhoods.
Internally, restaurants and bars have been advised to conduct pre-service briefings for staff, maintain close coordination between management, operations and security teams, keep emergency contacts readily available and ensure that a senior decision-maker remains present during the extended hours to handle any unforeseen situations. “The success of this pilot will be measured not only by business performance, but by our collective commitment to responsible service, guest safety, neighbourhood harmony, regulatory compliance and seamless cooperation with the authorities. Let us demonstrate that Hyderabad’s hospitality industry is capable of setting the benchmark for responsible, safe and progressive nightlife in India,” as stated in the advisory. The advisory comes after the Telangana government extended liquor service hours for licensed bars, clubs and microbreweries across Core Urban Region (CURE) for the FIFA Club World Cup’s concluding matches.
The BriefWire