On December 31, dont overdo the cheering

HYDERABAD: As Hyderabadis get ready to welcome another year, the city police officials are working hard to ensure celebrations do not turn into tragedies.Police commissioner A K Khan Friday organised a meeting between the police department and owners of various hotels and pubs in the city on the guidelines to be followed when they throw new year bashes. "The time limit for partying will be limited to 1 a.m. and the audio levels should be maintained below 45 decibels. The police will have audiometers in place. Also drunken driving will be strictly dealt with. Around three people died in accidents on New Year's eve last year while in 2009, the number was six. This year we hope to bring it down to zero," Khan said.The hoteliers also extended support with some claiming that unless a party group includes a nondrinker, organisers would ensure they are not allowed to leave the party premises in a vehicle.Hotels and clubs have also been asked to issue advisories warning of the legal consequences if they are found guilty of drunken driving. They have been asked to provide standby drivers/cabs to customers if needed. If more than five cases of violation are reported against any pub/hotel, their entertainment license would be can celled, the cops warned.