HYDERABAD: Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, appears set to lose its sobriquet by one of the most happening cities in India, Hyderabad. The next few months are expected to see a slew of initiatives that will give a second wind to Hyderabad's nightlife. On the anvil are government patronage for pub culture, something that the city now lacks, microbreweries that will serve beers concocted on the spot and longer open hours for all pubs and bars.

And if the government gets its wish, bartending and waiting at pubs, bars and restaurants will have a fair share of the fairer sex.

These are among the several proposals being seriously mulled by the Telagnana government as it works on the new excise policy. The government believes that a consumer-friendly excise policy that will allow people to celebrate life late into nights will be a major asset as Hyderabad tries to evolve into a global destination.

"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," said excise commissioner R V Chandravadan.

"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," Chandravadan said.

The immediate result would be the boom in the number of 'world class' pubs, from the handful now to as many as 50 just this year (wich will come equipped with micro-breweries). 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.

"The government wants to put in place world class hospitality in the city when it is expecting more visitors to Hyderabad from across the foreign countries. We are leveraging on the new liquor policy to create a world class atmosphere for the visitors," Chandravadan said.

"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," said Ajay Mishra, revenue principal secretary (excise).

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," Mishra said.

As far as the retail outlets are concerned, the government wants to increase them from the 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.