No temporary permit for Dec 31 liquor parties in Maha

Mumbai: Maharashtra Government today asked Excise department not to issue mandatory one-day temporary permit to people who want to organise liquor parties on New Year eve.

The orders have been issued to all superintendents of Excise department not to issue temporary permit to people wanting to organise New Year eve parties where liquor is served, said an official.

The move could unsettle the plans of those who want to organise such parties at housing societies, banquet halls and open lawns.

In Maharashtra, purchasing, possessing, transporting, and consuming liquor without a valid permit is an offence under the Bombay Prohibition Act, 1949.

As per the law, those applying for liquor permits must be aged 25 and above. One can apply only one permit in a day.

Meanwhile, a source said Excise department anticipates a loss of 4.88 per cent in its revenue till December 20 due to demonetisation of high value currencies.

The government now expects the revenue to the tune of Rs 676.35 crore, a loss of Rs 34.99 crore, as against Rs 711.34 crore in last December.