Gurugram sees record liquor sales on New Year's Eve, over Rs 50 cr estimated

Gurugram marked a bustling New Year’s Eve with over 1 lakh revellers from Delhi and the NCR flocking to the city’s entertainment hotspots. A total of 22 prominent locations across the city were designated for New Year celebrations, with the Sector 29 market alone hosting 40 establishments that had temporary licenses to serve liquor. In total, over 400 venues, including Aravali farmhouses, pubs and bars, served alcohol on the night of December 31.

The Excise Department estimates over Rs 50 crore worth of liquor was sold across the city's two excise zones. Officials suggest this figure could rise as calculations are still underway. According to a senior official from the department, permission was granted to serve liquor for extended hours at 72 venues, generating over Rs 17 crore in licence fees. Gurugram is home to over 330 licensed pubs and bars, with 165 liquor zones spread across its East and West zones. The city also has 320 liquor shops, with between 3 to 10 shops per zone that operate Ahatas (licensed open-air spaces for drinking).

“On December 31, liquor was sold at various venues, including liquor shops and L-1 stores for private parties,” said the official. “Eight special teams were deployed to monitor the celebrations and three locations were found serving liquor without permission. A report has been sent to headquarters for fines.”

In total, 72 locations were granted extended licences for the night. The excise department estimates liquor worth over Rs 50 crore was sold during the celebrations.

To ensure safety, over 2,000 police officers were deputed across the city. Traffic police set up eight checkpoints to check for drunk driving, leading to 60 challans for violations.