Ban on DJ parties dampens New Year bash in Kochi

Gone are the days when hotels and resorts used to arrange DJ parties to entertain people on New Year's eve. This year Kerala Police and Excise Department have imposed a ban on DJ parties in the city after an increase in drug abuse cases were reported in Kochi recently. The hotels are also not allowed to serve liquor after 10 pm.
 

City police have already rejected applications of major hotels. "We have taken a zero tolerance policy towards drug abuse this year. We don't intend to spoil the festive mood and is not against celebrations or partying. But measures would be adopted to make sure that no DJ parties are held in the city on New Year eve," Deputy Police Commissioner Arul R B Krishna said. 
 

Police officers in disguise will be present at all key destinations and hotels where New Year celebrations are held. Hotels arranging DJ parties will be doing so at their own risk and will have to face police action in case anything goes wrong. 
 

Strict guidelines are issued to hotels about serving liquor. A deadline is fixed and those serving alcohol after 10 pm will have to face action and will be charged with harbouring to act against police order. 
 

Most hotels in the city have already announced DJ parties to welcome 2017. 

• New Year
• New Year parties
• DJ parties
• drug abuse
• alcohol prohibition