As the festive and wedding season gains pace, the excise department has witnessed a sharp surge in demand for occasional party licences, issuing 176 permits within a short span. Officials say the trend reflects a growing preference among citizens to serve alcohol legally and responsibly at private events, rather than risking penalties and legal complications.
What Are Occasional Party Licences?
Occasional party licences are mandatory permissions required to serve liquor at private gatherings such as:
●Weddings and receptions
●Birthday and anniversary celebrations
●Corporate parties
●Social and private events
These licences allow alcohol to be served for a limited duration and at a specified venue, ensuring compliance with state excise laws.
Urban Celebrations Drive the Demand
According to excise officials, urban centres account for the majority of applications, driven by:
●Large-scale weddings
●Destination-style celebrations
●Premium private and corporate events
With professional event planners and hospitality partners increasingly involved, organisers are opting for authorised permissions to avoid last-minute disruptions, fines, or event cancellations.
Officials Highlight Rising Legal Awareness
“The increase in occasional party licences shows that people are becoming more aware of excise regulations and prefer to stay compliant,” an excise official said.
“Serving alcohol without a valid licence is a punishable offence, and we have consistently educated the public about the importance of taking permissions in advance.”
Awareness Drives and Advance Applications Encouraged
The excise department has intensified public awareness campaigns, urging citizens to apply well before their event dates. Officials noted that early applications help:
●Speed up approvals
●Ensure smooth celebrations
●Prevent legal issues during events
●Boost to State Revenue Alongside Compliance
Apart from promoting lawful celebrations, the issuance of occasional party licences also contributes to state revenue, making the process beneficial for both authorities and event hosts.
However, the department has reiterated that strict action will be taken against organisers and venues found serving alcohol without valid permits, especially during the peak festive and wedding season.
More Licences Expected in Coming Weeks
With several auspicious dates approaching and social calendars filling rapidly, officials expect the number of applications to rise further in the coming weeks.
The trend signals more than just an increase in parties—it reflects a growing culture of legal awareness, where celebration and responsibility go hand in hand.
