22 December,2010 07:00 AM IST | | Debarati Palit and Kaumudi Gurjar
Urban revellers go the distance to skip deadline, entertainment tax and avail of low food and drink prices
The party scene is heating up.
Not in the city, but at its outskirts. Partygoers in the city will now be seen thronging farmhouses and private parties at old-Mumbai-Pune highway, Mulshi, Khadakwasla, Bhor, Mandvi, Loni Khalbhor and Lonavla this year, for these are some of the hottest destinations this New Year.
Though the number of applications that police and entertainment department has received is less compared to last year, sources maintain the trend has picked up.
A senior official from the entertainment department said they had received more than six applications till now.
"We haven't approved any of the application because we are waiting to complete some paperwork and get approval from the police. But definitely the number of applications has gone up. We are expecting more applications by next week. One of the main reason for organising parties in rural areas is that the organisers do not have to pay entertainment taxes according to norms set by the state government."
The official said the organisers wanted to save money on entertainment tax. "The department is now sending letters to the local authorities (tahsildars) of these areas so that they too keep a track on such parties," said the official.
Low prices
Organisers maintain that these parties attract families, working professionals and students, despite the distance. Even the prices of passes, food and alcohol are relatively lower at the outskirts than in the city. "We do not get any interruption from the local police and handle the parties peacefully. We make sure that the guests do not create nuisance," said an organiser requesting anonymity.
Abhishek Thakar, who owns a cafe on the Mumbai-Pune Highway, said: "We contact the guests through networking sites and SMS. But we prefer sticking to the deadlines and rules set by the police. We also charge lower rates for alcohol, which is an added attraction."
The passes cost about Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 and include food and drinks.
Cops get tough
PI Nyahalde of the Paud police station said, "Last year, we had received four to five application. This year, we have received only two applications so far."
Officials from the three most active police stations said they would not lie low this year. Permissions are not being given to open spaces just like in the city. They are issuing notices to organisers under CrPC-Section 149 warning them that no parking would be allowed on roads, that traffic jam has to be avoided and driving under the influence of alcohol would be strictly punishable. "We will not be lenient and the rules will be as strict as in the city," said PI Satish Patil, Haveli police station that takes care of Khadakwasla, Panshet.
Lonavla PI Balram Lanjile said, "So far, we have received 15 to 20 applications, but we will only issue them the licence after checking all the necessary papers."
He said the focus is that residents do not get disturbed because of the music and no liquor is served or consumed in public view.
