Gurugram’s ‘bring your own booze’ culture faces crackdown under new excise policy

Gurugram’s bustling nightlife, dominated by BYOB (bring your own booze) taverns, is set for a transformation starting June 12, as the new excise policy approved by the Haryana Cabinet comes into effect.

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The policy aims to regulate what authorities call a growing “nuisance” caused by these popular taverns, which blend liquor sales with live performances in a Goa-style ambience. The revised rules will cap the operational area of these establishments to 1,000 square metres and ban all forms of live entertainment, including music and dance shows.

With nearly 100 BYOB joints operating across the city, many of them with elaborate themes — complete with artificial beaches, stages, and lounge zones — the move is expected to significantly alter the city’s nightlife.

“Liquor is the biggest revenue source, and it’s the BYOB culture that has made Gurugram the party hub of the NCR. This policy will kill the vibe. We will lose footfall, and liquor vends attached to these setups will also see a drop in sales,” said the owner of a BYOB outlet along NH-8.

“Gurugram is a cosmopolitan city, and such a myopic, conventional approach is detrimental. Corporates will be disheartened,” he added.

The announcement has sparked outrage on social media, with many city residents demanding a rollback.

“The government needs to decide whether Gurugram is a cosmopolitan city or a village. BYOBs offer a safe, vibrant party space. Now they’ll become just shady ahatas. This will force people like us to either go to expensive pubs or drink in cars,” said Akash Gupta, a software engineer.

However, many Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have welcomed the policy, citing public safety and moral concerns.

“These BYOB joints are a complete nuisance. Vulgar shows are passed off as entertainment, and the chaos outside our societies is unbearable. We can’t even step out after 9 pm,” said Prakash Singh, RWA president of a society on MG Road.

The policy shift reflects a growing tension between Gurugram’s fast-evolving urban culture and more conservative societal norms. While BYOB establishments have become synonymous with the city’s party identity, residents living near them have long raised concerns over noise, overcrowding, and inappropriate content.