Add to party checklist: A licence from local police

Planning to host a party? Think twice. The Bangalore police, quoting rules, are cracking down on partying without a “licence” anywhere apart from your home.

Permission from the area’s police before hosting a party is now mandatory, said Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) T Sunil Kumar.

“Accordingly, police permission is required to host a party at a rented serviced apartment, resort, pub, restaurant or hotel,” he told Express. Kumar said party organisers must submit an application with details like the size of the gathering, the kind of music (DJ/recorded music/live performance), dance floor, timings, serving of alcohol and other such specifications.

“The police will then accept or reject the application depending on whether the party could disturb neighbours or not,” he said.

ACP Sunil Kumar clarified that for parties hosted in serviced apartments, the apartment owner has to get a “licence” from the city police commissioner.

Police Commissioner B Jyotiprakash Mirji explained, “We are implementing the existing rule more strictly now and will take action if permission is not taken.”

Police say a party is defined as a gathering of 15 or more people, regardless of whether alcohol is being served or not. The rule is even applicable to small budget parties.

The diktat has shocked the city’s party organisers and party goers. “This is clearly a money-making act in the guise of protecting citizens. The police are taking away our freedom. Is hosting a party unlawful or unconstitutional? Will the police ensure protection if something goes wrong?” questioned Rubi Chakravarti, a stand up comedian.

Another question that has left the hospitality business confused is whether those hosting parties in star hotels need to seek additional permission to serve alcohol.

“Yes. They will have to. The police will give a nod after studying the situation. Next, they have to get a permission from the Excise Department to serve liquor,” Mirji clarified.

Hotels that host two to three parties a day are now worried whether this would damage their commercial interests. “We have to comply with the existing rules and this is an additional burden. We hope this will not affect our business,” said Ganesh, a senior manager from a star hotel.