Wedding cheers to come at a price: Alcohol permit fees doubles in Himachal
If you’re planning a wedding or celebration in Himachal Pradesh, serving alcohol just got more expensive. The state’s Excise Department has doubled the permit fee for serving liquor at such events. Hosts now have to pay ₹1,200, up from ₹600, to legally serve six crates of whiskey and six crates of beer. For those wanting an unlimited supply of alcohol, the permit fee is ₹1,700.
A Steeper Price Amid Wedding Season
The fee hike coincides with the ongoing wedding season, when celebrations are at their peak. To enforce the revised Excise Policy, field officers have been instructed to ensure strict compliance. Hosts must now secure permits and pay the required fees to serve liquor legally, failing which they could face punitive action.
Illegal liquor smuggling from Chandigarh during wedding season has long been a problem in the state. In response, the Excise Department has ramped up surveillance in border areas to curb the inflow of unauthorized alcohol.
Simplifying the Process for Hosts
Officials have emphasized that obtaining the permit not only ensures compliance but also makes the process easier for hosts. With a permit, hosts can legally buy alcohol directly from authorized liquor shops. To apply, individuals need to submit a copy of the wedding or event invitation along with their application to the local Excise Department. Once the fee is paid, the permit allows for the legal purchase and transport of alcohol to the venue.
Regulating Alcohol and Cracking Down on Illicit Trade
The move aims to strike a balance between regulating alcohol consumption at events and addressing the persistent issue of illegal liquor trafficking. By increasing permit fees and simplifying the legal process, the Excise Department hopes to encourage compliance while discouraging the use of unauthorized alcohol.
For residents and party planners in Himachal Pradesh, the revised rules mean an additional expense but also offer a straightforward path to ensuring that celebrations remain within the bounds of the law.
