Stating that several people are not applying for temporary permits to serve liquor at private events like weddings, engagements, and other such functions, the Delhi Excise Department has warned of action if violations are found. According to government data, between March 1 and September 30 this year, the department issued 5,353 P10 permits — which are meant for small, private parties. In October and November, only 1,716 such permits have been issued, data shows. Between October 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023, a total of 8,237 licences were issued. “Compared to last year, the number of licences issued this year is less. People try to avoid taking this permit to save money, but this is illegal. So, we are urging people to take the permit to avoid any kind of action from the department. Enforcement teams are conducting surprise inspections at venues and action is being taken against the host for serving liquor in a wedding, engagement or any private function without taking this licence,” said an official. According to a senior official, a P10 permit is issued for private parties such as a wedding or an engagement organised in farmhouses, banquet halls, motels and parks. It can be obtained on payment of Rs 10,000 (except for motels, banquet halls and farmhouses for which the fee is Rs 15,000) to serve liquor at any party or function. A P10 licence holder can purchase liquor from a maximum of three vends. However, anyone hosting functions at their homes need not take this licence. According to estimates by CAIT, 3.5 lakh weddings are expected to take place between November 23 and December 15 in the capital. In this period, only 912 P10 permits were issued. Recently, the department cracked down on restaurants and cafes hosting functions with P10 liquor permits and barred its four corporations from issuing the permit to around 5,000 independent establishments. Despite being eligible for an excise licence, these establishments have been accused of allegedly getting a P10 licence, which is cheaper and helps them evade additional excise duty.
