Noida: With Holi approaching, the excise department has made it mandatory for hotels, banquet halls and clubs to obtain an Occasional Bar Licence (FL-11) to serve or allow consumption of alcohol at events. Officials warned of strict legal action against any venue found hosting parties with alcohol without a valid licence.
The department also reiterated that the sale of open liquor or alcohol in pouches is prohibited in UP. Authorities urged residents to report any sale of liquor from unauthorised locations to the excise department for immediate action.
District excise officer Subodh Kumar said that even one-day private events hosted at commercial venues fall under the licensing requirement.
"Many people assume that a small gathering does not require permission. That is incorrect. The licence is compulsory wherever liquor is served at a party on these premises. Strict legal action will be taken against establishments found serving or allowing consumption of alcohol without a valid occasional bar licence. There will be no leniency," Kumar said.
Applications can be made online by paying the prescribed fee, and organisers were advised not to wait until the last minute.
The department also reiterated that the sale of open liquor or liquor packed in pouches is completely prohibited in the state. "People must purchase only sealed bottles from authorised and licensed shops. Open liquor is illegal and unsafe," Kumar said.
Urging public cooperation, Kumar asked residents to report any instance of unauthorised sale of alcohol. "If liquor is sold from places other than licensed outlets, people should immediately inform the excise department. Timely information helps us prevent violations," he said.
To curb the sale and manufacture of illicit liquor, the excise department has set up a control room. Complaints can be registered on the helpline number 14405.
Officials said special drives will be carried out across Noida and Greater Noida to monitor compliance during Holi celebrations. The department's focus, Kumar said, is to ensure that festivities remain safe, lawful and free from the illegal sale or serving of liquor.
Ashni Dhaor is a Special Correspondent with the Times of India, w...
Read MoreAshni Dhaor is a Special Correspondent with the Times of India, with over a decade of experience across print, electronic, and digital media. She specialises in long-form features, grassroots civic-policy investigations, and human-interest stories, covering urban development, local governance, nightlife, and evolving lifestyle trends in Noida and Ghaziabad.
Read Less
Start a Conversation
Post comment