HYDERABAD: Mumbai is known as the city that never sleeps. Following this trend is the pearl city, Hyderabad. A good news for all the Hyderabadi's who enjoy nightlife as there will be microbreweries set up that will serve beers concocted on the spot along with pubs and bars being open for long hours. And if the government gets its wish, bartending and waiting at pubs, bars and restaurants will have a fair share of the fairer sex.

Telangana's new excise policy includes these among several other proposals. For Hyderabad to evolve into a global destination, the government strongly believes that is it very important for a consumer-friendly excise policy that will allow people to enjoy till late night.

Excise Commissioner R V Chandravadan. "Our endeavor is to put in place such a vibrant liquor policy which will be in sync with the changing image of Hyderabad into a global city -- as envisioned by chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. The chief minister said in a recent review meeting that in terms of vibrancy, Hyderabad must beat Mumbai - which is known as the city that never sleeps. Accordingly, we are working on introducing a game-changing excise policy. As a result, you will see world class bars and pubs with longer opening hours".

The government, he added, was also in favour of keeping pubs open through midnight and to extend business hours of retail liquor shops from the present 10 pm closing time to 11 pm.The new pubs will be allowed to install microbreweries and brew their beer onsite along the lines of such pubs in Bengaluru, Mumbai and New Delhi. This would instantly increase the number of 'world class' pubs which will be equipped with micro-breweries.

"Various aspects have been looked into to make the pub culture in the city really world class. Introduction of women bartenders is under consideration. While the policy is in the works, two or more rounds of deliberations are due before its finalization. The government will also ensure availability of international liquor brands besides putting in efforts to introduce a 'wine culture' in the city. "Unlike Bengaluru and Mumbai, wine consumption in Hyderabad has never been significant. We are now trying to give special focus to encourage wine consumption as well," said Ajay Mishra, revenue principal secretary (excise).

The government also wants to increase the retail outlets from current 194 to 300. With all these developments in the work, the new excise policy that is to come into force from July 1, is likely to be put off by about three months.