The Karnataka government has allowed hotels and restaurants in Bengaluru to remain open until 3:30 a.m. on three nights to enable football fans to watch late-night FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced the decision on Tuesday, describing it as welcome news for football enthusiasts across the city. The relaxation will apply on July 14, July 15 and July 19, when key FIFA World Cup fixtures are scheduled to be played late at night in India because of the time difference with the host country. Under the temporary order, food establishments will be permitted to continue serving customers until 3:30 a.m. on the specified dates. Decision follows request from restaurant body The move comes after the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) requested the state government to relax the usual closing time for hotels and restaurants during the football tournament. The state government issued the temporary exemption under the provisions of the Karnataka Police Act. Following the government’s decision, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh issued the necessary orders allowing late-night …