No license, no New Year party: Cyberabad cops warn against illegal liquor events, farmhouses under watch

Hyderabad: In the wake of the tragic Arpora nightclub fire in Goa that claimed 25 lives, the Cyberabad Police have made it compulsory for all establishments and venues hosting large gatherings and serving liquor to obtain an entertainment licence ahead of the New Year celebrations.

Single licence, multiple clearances

Cyberabad Police Commissioner Avinash Mohanty said that availing an entertainment licence would automatically ensure compliance with all statutory requirements.

These include the Occupancy Certificate (OC), No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Fire and Health departments, trade licence, permissions from the Excise Department in case liquor is served, and clearances from the traffic and law and order wings.

Compliance improving, action against defaulters

Elaborating further, the Commissioner said that a growing number of establishments are coming forward to secure entertainment licences, recognising the advantage of obtaining multiple departmental approvals through a single process.

However, he cautioned that some establishments are still reluctant to comply.

“We have written to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation seeking cancellation of their trade licences. Besides this, violations are being reported and cases are being registered against non-compliant establishments,” he said.

Focus on safety and drug control

As part of precautionary measures for the New Year festivities, the Cyberabad Police are also stepping up efforts to curb the supply and use of drugs. The commissioner said that police teams will verify the safety and security arrangements put in place by all event management organisers.

He added that a series of meetings have already been conducted by the respective Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) with event organisers in their zones to ensure preparedness and adherence to norms.

Mandatory permissions and enhanced monitoring

Stressing that no event will be allowed without prior police permission, the Commissioner said organisers can apply online through the Cyberabad Police Management Software.

To ensure strict compliance, special teams, including the Special Operations Team (SOT) and the women police wing, will closely monitor all events and activities during the New Year celebrations, the Cyberabad CP said.

Police flag concerns over New Year parties at farmhouses

Referring to New Year celebrations planned at farmhouses in the Moinabad and Shamshabad areas, DCP Rajendranagar Yogesh Goutam said police are closely monitoring the possibility of drug supply during such events.

He pointed out that there are more than 1,000 farmhouses spread across the two localities.

Few licensed, majority private properties

The DCP noted that while a handful of farmhouses are officially registered after obtaining trade licences and operate as resorts, the vast majority are private farmhouses and resorts. Despite this, bookings for New Year celebrations have already begun at several such venues, raising concerns over regulation and compliance.

Meetings held, guidelines issued

To address these issues, police recently held a meeting with farmhouse owners from Mokila, Shankarpally, Moinabad and Chevella.

During the meeting, owners were sensitised about the guidelines to be followed, including strict measures to prevent drug use, adherence to permitted timings, control of noise pollution and safety arrangements such as deployment of trained bouncers and installation of CCTV cameras.

Ensuring safe and hassle-free celebrations

Based on these guidelines, the police will closely supervise New Year events to ensure they are conducted smoothly and lawfully. The objective, the DCP said, is to facilitate celebrations in a hassle-free manner while preventing untoward incidents.