In a bid to regulate the serving of alcohol at private gatherings, the district excise department in Noida has introduced a new policy mandating individuals to obtain an “occasional liquor licence” for hosting house parties. The regulation aims to ensure the authenticity of liquor served and maintain control over alcohol distribution even in private celebrations.
According to Subodh Kumar Srivastava, the District Excise Officer (DEO) of Gautam Buddh Nagar, individuals hosting small house parties will be required to apply for a specific licence, available for a fee of ₹4,000. For larger events held in community halls, restaurants, or banquets, a higher-tier licence costing ₹11,000 is applicable.
Srivastava emphasized the importance of obtaining a liquor licence for parties, regardless of the venue, stating that failure to do so would be considered a violation of the rules, potentially leading to legal consequences, including fines. To raise awareness about the new regulations, authorities have initiated outreach efforts targeting residents’ welfare associations (RWAs) and citizens, providing information on the guidelines for procuring occasional licences.
“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,” warned Srivastava.
The occasional licences, valid for a single day, can be applied for through the official website upexciseportal.in under the category of useful public services. The excise officer highlighted that the objective behind extending the policy to cover private celebrations is to guarantee the legitimacy of the liquor served, reducing the risk of illicit alcohol consumption.
