Do you have the licence to party?

Do you have the permit to host a party? Or drink? Or be on a high? Or just have some plain fun? If you don't, then you are in for some trouble. I have already sent my application for a permit to carry and drink alcohol. What if cops bust my next party!

If you think I am rambling, well, actually not. The thought came to me when we carried a news report on cops busting a party hosted by some management students. Incidentally, cops barged in and played party-poopers because the 400-odd GenYs did not have the licence to drink. Really, I did not know that you need a permit to carry or drink alcohol even at home with friends.

Now that I look back, I know that bars in the state are called licensed bars because only people with a licence can visit and drink. Gosh! I mean, in this country you need to actually furnish a licence not only to drive or to vote, but also to be able to say that you can drink.

Okay, agreed that you need to pay a nominal amount of money. Rs 2,500 to get a lifetime licence and you needn't renew it. But isn't it archaic? What next? Maybe a licence which will allow you to wear miniskirts or maybe have an affair?

So basically, even if I am 30-something, I will need proof to tell people that I can buy drinks for friends and I will be safe with them and my friends downing vodka shots in my plush apartment. Now isn't that taking things a little too far?

Firstly, you have a deadline to tell me what time I should stop the party and head home. That reminds me of my mum screaming and asking me to go to bed when I was in Std VII.
And now people will check if I am sane or sensible enough to handle my drink. Need a breather; maybe I should take a break and go to good ol' Kolkata where I can party till the wee hours and can buy alcohol with no one questioning.

Disclaimer: To set the record straight, I am a teetotaller; but do host wild parties for my friends.