As the year comes to a close and the festive season kicks in, residents of Noida gearing up for New Year’s Eve parties should take heed of new regulations imposed by authorities. Hosting a house party with liquor in Noida or Greater Noida now requires obtaining an occasional bar licence to avoid legal consequences.
Regulatory Alert: Occasional Bar Licence Mandatory
Gautam Buddh Nagar’s District Excise Officer (DEO), Subodh Kumar Srivastava, emphasized the importance of obtaining a liquor licence for any gatherings where alcohol will be served, including house parties. Failing to comply with this regulation could lead to legal proceedings, fines, and potential arrest.
Srivastava, addressing the media, stated, “If anyone is serving liquor without a licence, whether it is liquor meant for sale in Uttar Pradesh or outside the state, it is totally illegal. It will attract action from the excise department.”
Outreach to Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs)
In a bid to raise awareness and ensure compliance, authorities have initiated outreach programs targeting Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) and citizens. They aim to educate the public about the necessity of procuring an occasional bar licence for any event where liquor is served.
Two Licence Categories Based on Gathering Size
Occasional bar licences are issued in two categories, determined by the size of the gathering. For smaller gatherings, such as house parties, a licence can be obtained for a fee of Rs 4,000. For larger events hosted in community halls or banquets, the licence fee is Rs 11,000. These licences are valid for a single day.
Notably, licences will only be granted if the alcohol purchased is sourced from within Uttar Pradesh. Liquor procured from Delhi or Haryana will render the applicant ineligible for a licence.
Also Read: 15 Best Places to Celebrate New Year 2024 in India
Application Process and Revenue Statistics
Interested individuals can apply for these licences through the Upexciseportal.in website under the category of useful public services. Reflecting on the statistics, Srivastava mentioned that 5,820 licences were issued from April 1 to November 30 in the previous year. This year, there has been a 40% increase, with 8,770 licences issued during the same period.
Srivastava highlighted the advantages of obtaining a licence, stating, “First, when you take a licence, it will ensure that the liquor served in a party would be authentic and not illicit. This will also make sure that the applicant buys liquor locally which is meant for consumption only within the state and is not procured from other states, which would cause a revenue loss to the government.”
Enforcement and Informer Network
Addressing concerns about enforcement, Srivastava mentioned that the excise department has an extensive network of informers across the district. Additionally, the department receives information from liquor vendors and outlets, particularly when there is an abnormal increase in sales. To further encourage reporting, a helpline number (8882120733) has been provided for residents to share information related to the consumption of illegal narcotics, drugs, or any other tips concerning liquor use.
In conclusion, residents of Noida planning New Year’s Eve parties with liquor should prioritize compliance with these regulations to ensure a festive celebration without legal repercussions. Obtaining the necessary occasional bar licence is not only a legal requirement but also contributes to the authenticity of the liquor served, supporting local businesses and preventing revenue loss for the government.