The iconic New Year's Eve buzz in Bengaluru has lost its signature sparkle this year. A combination of the celebration falling on a midweek Wednesday and skyrocketing costs for liquor and entry has significantly dampened the city's party spirit. Preliminary reports from the hospitality industry indicate a sharp decline in advance bookings, with many residents opting for intimate house parties instead of expensive night-outs.
Pub Owners Report Significant Booking Slump
Owners and managers across the city's popular pub circuits are reporting a noticeable drop in demand. A pub owner from the bustling Brigade Road revealed that excitement levels are palpably low. Bookings are significantly lower this time, with current demand estimated at a mere 10% compared to last year's weekend celebrations in December 2023. He pointed to increased licence fees, parking issues, and consequent price hikes as major deterrents.
"We remain uncertain about how people will respond," he told sources. While hoping for a last-minute surge to reach at least 50% occupancy, he contrasted this year's uncertainty with last year's strong performance of nearly 800 bookings in the final stretch. The concern now is whether they will even cross the 600-mark.
Another manager from a pub in JP Nagar 6th Phase noted that while they are nearly fully booked, the pace of reservations has been sluggish. "At this point last year, we were fully reserved, but now we still have some tables available," he said. He suggested a trend where people are choosing to leave the city to celebrate, as partying in Bengaluru has become a routine affair for many.
Multiple Factors Dampen the Nightlife
Sampath Kumar, Vice President of the Karnataka Wine Merchants Association, provided a comprehensive view of the situation. He cited the midweek New Year's Eve, the growing preference for house parties, and restrictions imposed after the tragic RCB stampede as key factors cooling the nightlife. While understanding the police's safety concerns, he feels the restrictions are excessive and a slight relaxation could benefit revellers.
Kumar highlighted a critical economic factor: high prices have severely impacted sales. There's been a significant drop in beer sales, with many customers downgrading to more affordable Indian Made Liquor (IML) to manage costs.
Partygoers Priced Out, Opt for Home Celebrations
The sentiment on the ground echoes the industry's observations. Young revellers are expressing frustration over the steep, last-minute inflation of table and entry prices. Adithi Venugopal, a 20-year-old from Jayanagar, shared a telling experience. Her group had considered booking a table for Rs 1,500 two weeks prior but hesitated. When they checked again just two days before New Year's Eve, the price for the same table had jumped to Rs 3,500. "The prices are high, which is one of the reasons we decided to celebrate at home," she stated.
Official data from the excise department corroborates the subdued trend. By December 30 of last year, they had approved 27 requests for occasional licences for events. This year, that number has plummeted to just seven, indicating a much quieter season. Excise Commissioner Venkatesh Kumar confirmed that around 25 applications are in the pipeline, with 7 to 10 approved so far, compared to last year's figures.
"Even last year, the numbers weren't that impressive," Kumar added. He mentioned that factors like the midweek date and the cold weather are also contributing to the lukewarm response, noting that a clearer picture will emerge closer to December 31st.
The collective evidence paints a clear picture: Bengaluru's New Year's Eve, typically a highlight of the city's social calendar, is experiencing an unexpected and pronounced slowdown, driven by economic and logistical hurdles.
