Prior permission from the District Magistrate will now be mandatory for all entertainment programmes organised in Lucknow on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve (December 31).
District Magistrate Vishakh Ji issued orders to this effect on Tuesday.
According to the order, entertainment programmes organised at hotels, resorts, clubs, pubs, restaurants, parks and other venues in the district fall under the category of “entertainment” as defined under Section 2(A-2) of the Uttar Pradesh Cinema (Regulation) Act, 1955.
As per Section 4(A) of the Act, prior permission from the District Magistrate is compulsory for organising or conducting any such programme.
The district administration has clarified that organising any entertainment event without prior permission is a punishable offence. Organisers found violating the rules will be penalised under the Cinema (Regulation) Act.
Action may include imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to ₹20,000, or both. In the case of a continuing violation, an additional penalty of ₹2,000 per day will also be imposed.
The administration has directed all hotel, resort, restaurant, club, pub and park operators in the district to mandatorily obtain prior permission from the District Magistrate for any entertainment programme—except family programmes—planned on Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any other day.
To obtain permission, organisers must apply online at least 10 days before the event through the niveshmitra.up.nic.in portal. Along with the application, it is mandatory to upload the required certificates online, including those related to fire safety, electrical safety, and law and order, issued by the concerned departments. The entire permission process has been kept fully online to ensure transparency.
The District Magistrate said that in case of any difficulty or if assistance is required during the online application process, applicants may contact the District Magistrate’s Office, Room No. 40 (A).
He also appealed to district residents and event organisers to strictly follow all rules related to law and order, peace and security, so that the festivals can be celebrated in a safe, orderly and joyful environment.