With New Year celebrations set to take place tonight and large public gatherings expected across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, authorities have issued a detailed advisory directing bar, hotel and resort owners to strictly comply with licensing conditions and safety norms to ensure public order, health and security.
The advisory, which comes into force with immediate effect and will remain applicable for the duration of the New Year celebrations, outlines a series of mandatory precautions that licensed establishments must follow. Officials have warned that any violation of the prescribed rules will attract penal action, including suspension or cancellation of licences, in addition to other legal consequences.
According to the instructions, all bars, hotels and resorts must operate strictly in accordance with the terms and conditions of their licences issued by the competent authority. Authorities have emphasised that no activity beyond what is permitted under the licence will be allowed during the New Year period.
In view of the expected surge in public gatherings in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, establishments have been directed to put in place adequate crowd management and security arrangements. This includes the deployment of trained security personnel to manage movement and prevent overcrowding. Entry and exit points, including designated emergency exits, must remain clear and unobstructed at all times.
CCTV surveillance systems installed at licensed premises are required to remain fully operational during the celebrations, with recordings preserved in accordance with existing regulations. Officials said surveillance would be a key component in monitoring compliance and responding to any untoward incidents.
The advisory also places strong emphasis on the responsible service of alcohol. Establishments have been instructed to ensure identity and age verification wherever required. Service of alcoholic beverages must strictly adhere to licence terms and applicable rules. Authorities have reiterated that serving alcohol to intoxicated persons or to individuals below the legally prescribed age is strictly prohibited.
Fire safety and emergency preparedness have been highlighted as critical areas of concern, particularly in venues hosting large crowds. All licensed premises must ensure that fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, is available, functional and easily accessible. Staff members are required to be briefed and trained in basic fire safety measures as well as emergency evacuation procedures.
To prevent accidents, overcrowding in confined spaces such as dance floors, stages and corridors has been strictly prohibited. Officials said that crowd density must be monitored continuously to avoid risks to public safety.
Noise regulation has also been addressed in the advisory. Establishments have been directed to maintain sound levels within permissible limits and adhere to prescribed timings under relevant laws. Any activity that causes public nuisance or disturbs nearby residential areas will not be permitted, authorities said.
Cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation form another key component of the guidelines. Bars, hotels and resorts have been instructed to maintain adequate cleanliness across all areas, including restrooms and common spaces. Proper arrangements for waste collection and disposal must be ensured to prevent health hazards during and after celebrations.
The advisory further calls for full cooperation with enforcement agencies. Establishments are required to extend complete assistance to police, excise, municipal, fire and other enforcement authorities during inspections. Any incident affecting public safety or public order must be reported immediately to the nearest police station or control room.
Authorities have urged all bar, hotel and resort owners and proprietors to act responsibly and ensure that New Year celebrations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are conducted in a safe, orderly and lawful manner. Officials warned that strict action will be taken against violators to prevent any compromise on public safety during tonight’s celebrations.
