Unless you’re planning to spend the first day of 2013 behind bars, check if the venue of the New Year’s Eve bash you want to attend has been given a temporary club licence by the state excise department.

The department has said that anyone found partying — which they described as a gathering of a few people drinking together — will be booked and sent to excise custody. And the punishment could involve imprisonment of 6 months or a fine of Rs.1,500 or more.

“Party-goers need to check on this detail,” said RS Parmar, superintendent of state excise. “We will arrest all people found in such premises.”

So far, 430 people in the island city have applied for the licence, officials from the excise department said.

The excise department has also asked revellers to procure a liquor permit if they are attending a party.

“Organisers who have applied for a club licence have been given temporary liquor permits for their guests. Everyone at the party should have one, whether they are drinking or not,” added Parmar.

The excise department has equipped flying squads to raid party venues and check for relevant documents on New Year’s Eve.

However party-goers are unhappy with the move. “It is ridiculous. How can we ask the host to show us his licence? Parties don’t work this way,” said Reena Sharma, a salon consultant.

Naghma Khan, director, Shaaz Media Entertainment said, “It is pure harassment. They are just out to spoil the party.”