Liquor license for events can often cause a bottleneck while planning events. The liquor license cost combined with the complex categories of licenses can be quite tricky.
To help you with this mystery of securing licenses for events, let’s understand how to secure liquor licenses.
By securing this license, you will not only avoid legal troubles but also expand your offerings as an event planner.
A. What is a liquor license for events?
A liquor license for events allows you to sell or distribute alcoholic beverages at events. There are many different types of liquor licenses for events. The one you require for your event may vary based on the size, type, and location of your event.
It is crucial to secure a liquor license if you’re planning an event that has alcohol on the menu.
B. Different types of liquor licenses for events
There are many different types of liquor licenses for events. They’re named L-1, L-2, L-3, and so on till L-29.
An L-1 liquor license holder has the right to sell alcohol to other liquor license holders. Delhi Government opens applications and distributes L-1 licenses for wholesale supply of liquor.
However, an event planner doesn’t necessarily need an L-1 liquor license.
If you’re hosting an event in hotels, you would require an L-3 or L-5 liquor license. Do enquire if the hotel already has this license. An L-3 liquor license authorizes the sale of foreign liquor in private rooms. On the other hand, the L-5 license allows the sale or distribution of liquor in bars within the hotel premises.
For events in clubs, you’re required to obtain an L-19 license. They’re issued by the Registrar of Firms/Registrar of Cooperative Societies. This is important if you’re serving foreign liquor.
For any type of marriage, party, or function—L-49A license can be obtained for serving liquor.
This is for any premise in Delhi except for public areas. Additionally, it is to be kept in mind that only individuals above 25 years of age are served alcoholic beverages [Source: Delhi Government].
C. Why do I need a liquor license for events?
A liquor license is necessary for public safety and illegal alcohol usage. Getting a liquor license regulates that the sale of alcoholic beverages is legal. It prevents the consumption of liquor by minors.
This license ensures that alcohol distribution and usage are legal and responsible. It aims to safeguard events from illegal activities.
For event planners, a liquor license is important to avoid legal complications for serving alcohol. Without the correct liquor license, event planners can face fines, event shutdown, and even jail time.
For eventgoers and attendees, a liquor license is a reassurance that the event is properly managed. It tells them that the alcohol is sourced from reliable sources and isn’t adulterated.
It also holds the event managers accountable if any problem arises from having alcohol at the event.
D. How do I get a liquor license for events?
Getting a liquor license has become easier in this digital age. Follow these steps to secure your event license:
- Visit the official website for your State Excise Department. For example, you can go to this state excise website to secure a liquor license for events in Delhi
- Download the liquor license application and fill it with all the information
- Submit the application to the authority directed by the website. Make sure you also keep all the mentioned documents handy before the visit to the office
- Pay the application fee
- Wait for the follow-up from the state authority. They may need further information so make sure you keep up with email and SMS updates
If you feel that the online route is slowing things down for you, then you can take a faster way out. Simply pay a visit to the state excise office directly. You can get the address and contact details from their official website.
You’ll be handed out a form there and you can simply fill it out and submit it on the spot. Many event planners prefer to take this route as it gives them more control over the pace.
By following these steps diligently, you should secure your liquor license in one to four weeks.
E. How to get a single-day liquor license for events?
Single-day liquor license or a temporary liquor license can be obtained for events.
The process to obtain it has been made online. Single-day liquor licenses or temporary liquor licenses are issued for events in private spaces such as farmhouses and societies.
The cost of your temporary liquor license will depend on many factors such as:
- State or city of the event
- Size of the event
- Type of Venue
You’ll need the following documents to secure a temporary liquor license for events:
- Filled application for P-10 license (name may vary for different states)
- ID proof
- Age proof (must be above 25 years of age
- Invitation card copy
Single-day liquor licenses are much cheaper than permanent liquor licenses. However, it also comes with certain restrictions. For example, your license will only be valid for a specific event on a particular day.
F. Liquor license cost
As discussed earlier, the liquor license cost will vary for each state. But, to give you an estimate, you can refer to the liquor license cost in Delhi:
- P-13 Permit is granted to hotels, restaurants, and clubs costs INR 5,000 for the day of the event
- The permit fee for P-10 permit for banquet halls and farmhouses is INR 15,000. This allows the serving of liquor in parties, weddings, or functions
- L-49A liquor license for marriages and parties costs INR 3,000. It allows the serving of alcohol on particular premises in Delhi except in areas exposed to public view
G. Do I need a liquor license for parties at home?
No, if you’re an individual serving liquor to family and friends at your own residence then you don’t need a license. This is applicable as long as the liquor served is within the permissible possession limit.
For Delhi, the permissible possession limit is as follows:
| Indian liquor and Foreign Liquor(Whisky, Rum, Gin,Vodka) except Wine, Liqueur, Beer, Cider and Alcopop | 9 liters |
| Wine, Liqueur, Beer, Cider and Alcopop | 18 liters |
| Indian liquor or Foreign Liquor | 1 liter while entering Delhi from other states |
| Foreign liquor | 2 liters while entering Delhi from other countries |
Note that these limits can change over time so make sure you confirm on the official state excise website.
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