Hyderabad: The Telangana govt on Friday issued a circular allowing licensed bars, clubs, microbreweries, hotels, restaurants and other food and beverage establishments in Hyderabad to remain open beyond regular business hours to facilitate public screening of the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff and final. The relaxation was granted following requests from football enthusiasts and the Telangana Bar and Restaurants Owners Association.According to the order issued by the prohibition and excise department, 2B bars, C1 clubs, tourism development corporation outlets and microbreweries in the core urban region (CURE) will be allowed to operate until 4:30 am on the intervening nights of July 18 and July 19 for the third-place playoff between England and France, and until 3 am on the intervening night of July 19 and July 20 for the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, which begins at 12.30 am (IST) on Monday.However, the govt said the extended operating hours are subject to strict compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. Officials added that restrictions similar to those enforced during New Year’s eve celebrations will remain in place, with police maintaining zero tolerance towards violations, particularly drunk driving, public nuisance and other law-and-order offences.
