Excise permit not needed to serve liquor at private functions: HC

The High Court ruled that excise officials should not interfere if liquor is served at events held at home The ruling will not apply to functions held at hotels and resorts, for which an excise permit is needed The HC bench observed that individuals can store liquor at private locations in permissible quantities

The Kerala High Court on Friday ruled that there is no need to seek permission from the excise department to serve liquor at private parties and functions held at home.

The court, while hearing a private petition, ruled that excise officials should not interfere if liquor is served at private events. However, the ruling does not apply to functions held at hotels and resorts.

The HC bench also observed that individuals can store liquor at private locations as long as it was in permissible quantities but reminded that the sale of the same is strictly prohibited.

The order means that liquor can now be served at engagement parties or weeding receptions held at homes, without an excise permit.

As per existing rules, an individual or a group had to get a permit from the excise department in order to serve liquor at private functions, by paying a fee of around Rs 50,000.