The new excise policy released by the Delhi government confirms that there is no requirement of securing a temporary P-10 license for serving alcoholic beverages at parties, marriages, & other such events at licensed premises meant for public gatherings. The need for a P-10 liquor license shall be replaced by an L-38 for the duration of one year on the payment of a fee ranging from INR 5-15 lakh based on the size of the concerned business.
The excise department functioning under the aegis of the Delhi Government has rolled out conditions for the applicants of L-38 license under newly released excise policy 2021-22. The excise commissioner, via a note, confirmed that no additional permit like a P-10 license would be required at any event being held at venues above once the yearly license is secured.
These venues which organize various events must secure an L-38 license to serve alcoholic beverages at their premises. But, the L-38 license holder will issue a letter citing the event date, number of guests, & other related information of the event’s host for securing liquor from the registered source in Delhi[1].
The event’s host will share purchase invoices when asked by excise officials, as per the commissioner’s note. As per the conditions cited in the note, premises including marriage homes, banquet halls, farmhouses, and motels with L-38 license will be permitted to host any type of entertainment activities such as karaoke, dancing, singing performances & live bands.
The license holder will neither keep, sell, nor distribute any advertising material to encourage the sale of consumption of liquor. Also, serving liquor to minors is also prohibited for them.
The P-10 license was required for serving alcoholic beverages at any party, marriage, function, & other events at specific premises. A circular rolled by the excise department in the preceding month clarified that the applicant can apply for P-10 license seven days prior to the event & can purchase liquor from six registered vendors. The relaxation will remain in effect till Nov 30 as per the circular.
Terms and conditions for the grant of license in Form L- 38
- Application in the standard form along with the required documents for a license shall be submitted to Deputy Commissioner of Excise, Delhi via the official portal of the Excise department
- Following documents will serve as a mandatory annexure to the said application form:
- Ownership proof of the proposed premises
- An affidavit in the form cited in Annexure-1 confirming the ownership status of the applicant over the proposed premises and adherence to the provisions of Section 13 of the Delhi Excise Act, 2009 & rule 23 of Delhi Excise Rules, 2010.
- A detailed layout plan of the proposed premises- It must be certified by the registered Architect.
- Copy of AOA/MOA/partnership deed as per the business structure
- Consent of the partner and board resolution
- List of proprietor/partners/director
- Proof of the Indian nationality
- No Objection Certificate from the concerned fire department
- Tax registration
- Applicant’s address proof
- Details of the Excise Nominee with the identification proof
- The licensing authority holds the right to reject the application in case of any error or inaccurate information
- The fee structure for securing L-38 license has been specified as per the carpet area of the event venue. The following table reflects the same:
| S.No | Carpet Area of Event Venue (in sq.ft) | Fee to be submitted |
| Up to 500 | 5 lakhs | |
| Above 5000 & up to 15000 | 10 lakhs | |
| Greater than 15000 | 15 lakhs |
Conclusion
Businesses, especially motel, farmhouse and marriage homes, were supposed to follow tons of compliances as far as the liquor services are concerned. The decision taken by the excise department would help such businesses to carry their activities without complying with additional permits or compliances. The said notification has got rid of the requirement of securing the P-10 license for serving liquor at marriages, parties, etc.
Read our article:Procedure for Obtaining Liquor License in India
