Kochi: The quantity of liquor that could be served at private functions without license would be equal to the limit that the members above the age of 23 in the family of the host could store.
This has been strictly confined to the functions being held at residential premises. The High Court order would not be applicable for the function held in halls or other venues.
In the case of halls, the ban on consumption as per Section 15 © of the Excise Rules would become applicable.
As per the order issued on February 14, 2012, the quantity of liquor a person who has attained maturity, as per legal terms, can store has been fixed as follows; toddy 1.5 liters, Foreign Liquor 2.5 liters, Indian Made Foreign Liquor 3 liters, beer and wine 3.5 liters each and cocoa brandy 1 liter.
The court examined various legal issues on serving liquor at family functions. It examined whether serving liquor at such functions would amount to sale and also whether the temporary sheds or 'pandals' put up on residential premises could be deemed as public place.
Though the government's concerns that easing restrictions for serving liquor on residential premises would convert homes into bars were commendable, the norms laid out were insufficient.
