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With the State unable to cope up with the traffic on the streets and with too many drunks on the road on special occasions mindful of the fact that they can get away with murder by driving accidents, increasing number of people feel obliged to stay safe indoors and throw parties for their friends in their apartments to celebrate occasions like the Christmas eve and New Year Eve. Some of them, unaware that they have to get a license even to host a party in their house may find themselves arrested and jailed this year.
State excise officials from Thane have announced that they will snoop down on house parties and crack the whip of those organising and serving liquor without permission in their premises, according to a report in DNA. According to the Bombay Prohibition Act, you might have to spend the night inside the lockup if busted and found in the possession of Liquor without permission.
According to the department rules, FL-4 license costing Rs. 13,500 is required to host a party in a flat or a resort. While even a few friends sitting together to enjoy a few drinks require a license according to the excise act but this license costs only Rs 5. But for hosting a party or drinking in a big groups (the number is not defined in the Report) permission of the excise department is required; a day-license can be obtained and one can then posses or consume liquor. Incidentally, a license is required in Delhi too under certain conditions when it is at a non-residential venue but costs around Rs. 5,500.
"This year, we have formed special flying squad teams to keep a vigil on illegal parties and possession of liquor. Strict action will be taken if one is found with illicit liquor. We will snoop down on bars, dhabas on highways and resorts," said Arjun Ohol, deputy commissioner of state excise, Thane. He added, "The consumer should possess a license even if the person is drinking inside his apartment. A house party organiser will be booked for illegal possession of liquor if he does not have adequate permission to host the party.
Several dhabas along the Eastern Express Highway, Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway and several other resorts will be checked during the Christmas week and on New Year eve.
It would be interesting to see how many people are actually jailed. With the neighbouring State of Gujarat where Prohibition is in full force and yet liquor reportedly flows like the proverbial water, it appears that the devil’s share is going to increase and many law enforcement officers may find an unexpected bonanza. |