Bars, hotels told to provide transport during year-end party

Mumbai: To curb drunken driving-related accidents during Christmas and New Year celebrations, the traffic wing of the Thane (rural) police has directed the management of bars, hotels and resorts in Mira-Bhayandar to provide drivers or make alternate transport arrangements such as autos and cabs for drunk patrons venturing out of their venues.

The direction is part of the advisory being issued to all establishments in the business of hospitality to maintain law and order, and avoid untoward incidents such as public brawls and harassment of women.

Urging people to celebrate the occasion in a disciplined manner, SP Dr Shivaji Rathod said, “Elaborate security arrangements have been planned as our entire machinery will be on alert to ensure trouble-free celebrations.”  He said Tuesday that a weeklong anti-drink and drive campaign will be launched till January 1.

“Apart from the city police on patrolling duty, our teams will be stationed at strategic locations to catch and penalise those taking to the wheel under the influence of alcohol, with the help of advanced breath analysers including those which capture offenders’ images, said senior police inspector (traffic) Jagdish Shinde.

The police will put disposable plastic pipes at the mouth of the breath analyser device. Those hosting New Year parties will have to ensure proper safety and security of patrons by deploying additional gua-rds; installing properly fu-nctioning CCTV cameras, alarm systems; and proper parking management. Apart from this, organisers have been asked to report any type of suspicious movement.