This New Year eve don't even think about throwing parties at your spacious apartment for friends and family. Else you may find yourself in a lockup on the first day of 2016.
State excise officials from Thane will snoop down on house parties and crack the whip of those organising and serving liquor without permission in their premises.
With New Year eve, thousands of revellers step out of homes to welcome the new year, which results in traffic. So there are many who opt to enjoy the glass of wine and throw a party indoors for friends and family.
However, this year, state excise officials will keep an eye on such parties and may even bust it for possession of liquor without permission. And as per the Bombay Prohibition Act, you might have to spend the night inside the lockup.
As per the department rules, FL-4 license is required to host a party in a flat or at a resort, which costs around Rs13,500. While if few friends are sitting together to enjoy the binge, the consumer should have a license, which costs Rs 5. With the permission of the excise department, the license can be obtained for a day and one can posses as well as consume liquor.
"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 the illicit liquor. We will snoop down on bars, dhabas on highways and resorts," said Arjun Ohol, deputy commissioner, state excise, Thane.
"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," he added.
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.
