Hyderabad: Cyberabad police have imposed strict restrictions on New Year celebrations on Thursday. All the New Year party venues in the city including resorts and farmhouses have been put under a close watch by the police. Around 325 permissions have been given for parties to welcome 2016.

Around 270 farm houses, 25 star hotels, three pubs and 22 resorts under the jurisdiction of Cyberabad police.

Most of the star hotels in the city are charging between Rs.4,000 per person to Rs. 30,000 per couple.

Meanwhile, city police have decided to monitor drink and drive cases from 6pm on December 31. Close to 8,000 policemen including senior officials will be patrolling from 10pm to 4am in the areas where large gatherings are expected. Liquor shops have been permitted to be open till 12 midnight and bars will be open till 1am.

All the flyovers in the city will remain closed, except the ones with no other alternative roads. “Offenders should watch out this time, courts awarded stringent punishments last year, it will be the same again,” DCP (Traffic) AV Ranganath said.

Police have also met party organisers to explain them the rules and regulations in order to ensure safe celebrations.

“People seem more responsible this year, most of them have already made arrangements for their post party travel,” an organiser from the city said.

On the other hand, Commissioner of Police, Vishakapatnam – Amit Garg, said that all the necessary steps have been taken to ensure a safe New Year’s eve. “We have notified rules for the safety of citizens, I request the revellers to cooperate with us,” Amit Gard said.