Booze permits now easier for societies

The state excise department has made it easier to apply for one-day liquor licenses to serve alcohol at parties and events. The venue has to just register once, provide the necessary documents and apply for the permit online.
These temporary “club licenses” are needed for functions in establishments such as clubs, banquet halls or housing societies.

“We have streamlined the process,” said state excise commissioner Dr Ashwini Joshi, adding this will ensure ease of doing business as establishments and individuals will not have to apply manually for licenses or submit premises registration documents repeatedly. 

“Otherwise, inspectors would insist on inspecting these premises every time,” explained a senior state excise department official. He added that charges had been revised such that the fee is higher for sporting and corporate events, as compared to family functions and events held in rural and semi-urban areas.

A one-time registration takes seven days while the permit comes within one or two days of applying. One can visit www.exciseservices.mahaonline.gov.in to apply for the permit.