India, Dec. 17 -- As Bengaluru gears up to welcome the New Year, city police have announced a blanket ban on bursting firecrackers during December 31 celebrations and unveiled a detailed rulebook for parties and public events across the city.

The restrictions are part of an extensive safety plan aimed at preventing disturbances and protecting women, children and senior citizens, at hotels, pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants and other venues hosting year-end programmes, said a report by the Deccan Herald. In a bid to ensure accountability, police have obtained written assurances from pub and event owners, committing them to follow all prescribed norms.

Event organisers have been instructed to secure every mandatory clearance before hosting c...