Liquor enthusiasts in Noida and Greater Noida can rejoice as, in light of the Christmas and New Year festivities, officials have declared that liquor shops will remain open until 11 pm on December 24 and 31, according to an announcement made on Saturday.

The move follows an order issued by Uttar Pradesh Excise Commissioner Senthil Pandian C, who has directed the extension of the liquor sales period at all retail shops on the eve of Christmas and New Year.

“In compliance with the order, authorised liquor outlets in Noida and Greater Noida will remain open from 10 am to 11 pm on December 24 and 31,” said Gautam Buddh Nagar District Excise Officer Subodh Kumar Srivastava.

Typically, licensed liquor establishments in the area shut down at 10 pm.

Last week, the excise department urged Noida and Greater Noida residents to apply for an occasional bar license if they intend to host parties, whether at home or within the community, where liquor will be served.

Continue Exploring: Planning a boozy bash in Noida? Don’t forget your occasional bar license!

Not having a valid licence for serving liquor is illegal and can attract legal proceedings, including fines and arrests, the officials warned.

Such occasional licences to serve liquor at parties are available in two categories. One is for individuals where the size of the gathering is small, such as house parties, and is issued against a fee of INR 4,000. The other licence comes for INR 11,000 and allows serving alcohol to larger crowds attending events at community halls, restaurants and banquets among others, Srivastava said.

However, a licence would not be issued if liquor to be served is from outside Uttar Pradesh, including that procured from neighbouring Haryana or Delhi, the officer said.

“Both these occasional licences are valid for one day. Applicants can apply for them on the website — upexciseportal.in — under the category of useful public services,” the DEO said.