Kochi: Restrictions on alcohol and strict monitoring by police authorities on parties have a negative impact on celebrations as a major chunk of the crowd which comes for parties wants to booze. Most of the regular party goers are moving to other cities like Bangalore and destinations like Goa for New Year celebrations. Hefty charges for special packages at leading hotels also are a reason to stay away from Kochi.
A majority of party-goers are concerned over the restrictions on alcohol which has definitely dampened the festive spirit of the season. “Our team of friends is going to Goa to celebrate New Year. Since New Year’s day falls on a weekend, we will get three days for celebrations,” said Jishnu Varma, software engineer at an IT firm at Infopark.
Even Xmas celebrations were marred by restrictions on alcohol. There was a ban on making wine in large quantities at home and many homemakers who used to make and gift wine to friends were not able to do so fearing police action.
Krishnadas Chandrasekhar, an young entrepreneur who runs an event management company, feels that with more restrictions, Kochi had become a dry place with lesser avenues for celebration.
“Only those who can afford five-star hotels will have the joy and fun of celebrations, while people like me who want to have a blast need to go outside the state. New Year is a day of celebration and the restrictions affect the essence of it,” he said.
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