The Karnataka government has officially extended Bengaluru's nightlife hours, enabling all bars, hotels, and clubs within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits to remain open until 1 AM. This extension, approved by the Urban Development Department, was initially announced in last year's budget.

Under the new regulations, bars can operate from 10 AM to 1 AM. Establishments with CL4 licenses (clubs), CL6 licenses (star hotels), as well as hotels and lodges with CL7 and CL7D licenses, are permitted to operate from 9 AM to 1 AM. Additionally, refreshment rooms with CL9 licenses can conduct business from 10 AM to 1 AM.

This move marks an official endorsement by the state government of the Silicon City's nightlife, which had previously been operating unofficially. In 2016, an initiative allowed hotels, restaurants, and markets to stay open later to boost nighttime trade, but opposition from the public led to a rollback, with all commercial establishments required to close by 11 PM.

The extension of nightlife hours was highlighted in the state budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in February last year. During his budget speech, Siddaramaiah announced that businesses within BBMP jurisdiction could now operate until 1 AM, including hotels serving liquor, clubs, and bars that previously closed by 10 or 11 PM.