Mumbai ready to party hard on New Year eve

Mumbai is putting on its dancing shoes once again even as security concerns and steep entertainment taxes threaten to dampen the New Year celebrations.  

“The revelry was subdued in the last two years due to an unstable economy coupled with the 26/11 terror attacks. But this year the city is in a mood to party hard,” said Vikram Mehta, director of Red Om Entertainment who claims to have booked the Novotel Hotel as the venue for his party six months ago.

While event managers are scrambling around with last-minute preparations for the numerous small, medium and big budget bashes planned across the city, party hoppers are disappointed that some of the hot favourites are not hosting New Year parties this year. “JW Marriott and Taj Lands End, both of which are known for their lavish star-studded bashes, will have a no-show this year,” laments collegian Dhruvi Sachdeva.

Party organisers point out that several small and big players have opted out due to various reasons such as the terror threats, legal hassles and police permissions. Also, the recent amendment to the Bombay Entertainment Duty Act, 1923, requires venues to pay a whopping 30% as entertainment tax.  

“The hike in entertainment tax is a big deterrent. That coupled with the mandatory permission and licences from the authorities, booking and decorating the venue, food and drinks, and security preparations cost anywhere between 20 to Rs35 lakh per event,” reveals Yogendra Karki of La Fiesta Events. 

It is no surprise then that the price hike is being passed on the customer with tickets to the bigger bashes costing anywhere between Rs5,000 to Rs10,000 per person. Pubs and discotheques have also increased their rates and are asking for Rs3,000 to Rs8,000 per person. 

However, the mood is still upbeat and Mumbaikars are willing to make the most of what is available to them. Organisers point out that the discerning party goer in Mumbai prefers five star hotels while the youth is content pub hopping on the New Year eve. “The middle class prefers to party with the entire family and close friends at club gymkhanas or open-air venues,” said Anil Garg, director of Dynamo Entertainment.